Ree Heights

Area experiencing weather ups and downs

The weather this past week has been another one that was nice for the weekend and cold, cool, rainy, snowy and windy for the start of the new week. We had about .07 of an inch of rain, snow on Monday night. After that Wednesday was cold but it warmed up again for the rest of the week and we had temperatures into the 50’s and 60’s the end of the week. We cannot complain about the weather thus far this year as we do get to have some days that are very nice and they make up for the ones that are not so nice. Lots of the farmers have gotten their harvesting completed or are getting near to the end of it for this year. Yes, they do have other things that they can do to get the rest ready for the winter.

Monday, being Veteran’s Day there was little activity going on in town.

Sympathy is extended to the Rodney Martin family on the untimely and sad accident that killed Rodney in a farm accident on Tuesday. It is a reminder that everyone should be careful when working around equipment of any kind.

I was working at a daycare center, and a little boy was reading his animal book to me. As he turned each page, he would identify the animal and tell me what sound they made. When it came to the giraffe, he thought for a while, then looked at me with his little hands cuffed around his mouth and said, “Hello, down there!”

Good Samaritan Society, Miller

Residents have full week of activities

Miller Trinity Lutheran Church was in charge of our November 10^th Sunday worship service. Pastor Max Miller led singing, accompanied by Gertrude Pautsch on piano, Peggy Namanny read Scripture and Pastor Miller gave a message on Psalm 17:1-9.

We recognized our veterans on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11. We salute them and all vets all year through. We appreciate their service.

Pastor Mark Johnsen, Miller United Methodist Church, served Protestant communion Monday morning.

Monday afternoon activity was reading with Audrey O. She read two more stories from the book, Good Old Days on the Farm: “Father’s Day” by Norman M. Cheney and “Grandma’s Summer Kitchen” by Joyce C. Rose.

Miller United Methodist Church was in charge of Monday evening Hymn Sing. Bobbi Larson led the singing. Sue Jones was pianist.

Father Chester Murtha, St. Ann’s Catholic Church, celebrated Mass Tuesday morning.

Resident Council met Tuesday morning. Lois Mastel was chosen as December’s “Shining Star of the Month.” Congratulations, Lois. We appreciate you.

Tuesday afternoon Bingo helpers were Dorothy Engelmann, Karen Kleinsasser, Janice Manning, Maylou Oakley, LaVonne Puffer, Annette Snodgrass, and Janice Wilbur.

Wednesday morning Rosary was led by Agnes Kolda.

Men’s Coffee was also served Wednesday morning.

Pastor Joseph Raleigh, Miller First Baptist Church, led a Bible study on John 4: 16-19 Wednesday afternoon.

Tamie Grogan made pumpkin bread to serve after Bible study. Yum, Tamie!

Card games were played Wednesday evening.

Thursday morning small group participants played Balloon Bop and a game of Tenzi.

Hand-in-Hand Daycare children came over for Intergenerational Time Thursday afternoon. They listened to the book Thanksgiving, by Laura Alden and told things they were thankful for. Then they colored a picture of a turkey or a patriotic soldier hat picture.

Scrabble games were played Thursday evening.

Ladies Coffee was served Friday morning.

Miller elementary 6^th graders played games with their adopted grandparents Friday afternoon.

“I am certain that, however great the hardships and the trials which loom ahead, our America will endure and the cause of human freedom will triumph.” –Cordell Hull

Friendship Center

Firemen to teach about fire extinguisher use

The Friendship Center monthly potluck dinner will be on Nov .21st at noon. This month we will have local Firemen to tell us some things about “how to use a hand held fire extinguisher” as well as other topics. Also this time we are asking each of you to bring canned and non-perishable articles for Holiday Baskets, which will be packed and delivered by the local Lions group.  The Ministerial Association decides who is to receive these Holiday Baskets.  Any leftover articles will be donated to the Helping Hands. So come join us for Potluck dinner at noon on the 21st.

The Pool players who have been in the Center this week include, on November 12–Warren Skinner; George Mogle; Jesse Hammer and Bob Slunecka.  On Nov.13–players were George Mogle; Jesse Hammer; Harlan Meier and Jim DeGeest. Nov.15– George Mogle; Bob Slunecka; Jim DeGeest and Warren Skinner were shooters.

Schedule is as usual,with cards each day, starting at 2 p.m. or earlier if four players are present. Last reminder–Potluck on the 21st.

Exercises each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:30 until 10:30 a.m.

Dan and Roxy Marshall and Mike Grabinski announce the engagement of their daughter, Jade Grabinski, to Nathan Van Zee, the son of Dean and Sherrie Van Zee.

Jade is a 2012 graduate from Sully Buttes High School and a 2013 graduate of Lake Area Tech. Nathan is a 2008 graduate of Miller High School and a 2009 graduate of Lake Area Tech.

The couple has set their wedding date for March 29, 2014, and it will be held at the St. Lawrence Community Church.

Twenty-four new or renewed donors gave at the blood drive on November 7 and 8. Mason Breitling, Martina Kittelson-Caviness, Carter Kindle, Nathan Kolda, Nick Ortmeier and Paul Waring were the six new high school donors. The eighteen new or renewed adult donors were Darielyn Tutt, Casey Cremer, Katie Langel, Casey Gates, Sara Gates, Carolyn Rosemore, Pastor Max Miller, Adam Wagner, Tolby Walker, Ray VanZee, Matt VanZee, Ruth Hoyle, Renee Clement, Jarod Fisher, Jim Baker, Dustin Moser, Kurt Schulz, and Chris Stevens. Each donor at this drive received a T-shirt and Ashley Aymar, Jake Fremark, Brooke Joy, Christopher Kaufman and Riley Mullaney were high school students who donated for the second time and received an additional T-shirt or back pack

On Thursday, 65 people gave whole blood and 23 tried for 2 RBCs and 110 units were collected while 11 individuals were deferred. On Friday, 37 gave whole blood and 15 gave 2 RBCs for a total of 67 units and two were deferred for a total of 177 units of blood for the two days.

Several persons reached gallon levels. Arlene Batin, Kevin Blachford, Tonna Hughes, and BJ Hughes and Lloyd Schwartz are at one gallon; Gayle Vrooman and Patti Werdel are at three gallons; Rosemary Moeller, Mike Ruth, Bruce Tucker, and Phyllis Yearous are at five gallons; Steve Simons is at six gallons; Zane Wulf at seven gallons; and Diane Moncur at eight gallons. That is a lot of lives that have benefited!

United Blood Services conducted the drive, which was sponsored by the Avera Hand County Hospital Auxiliary and held at Trinity Lutheran Church. Cookies were furnished by members of the hospital auxiliary: Phyllis Testerman,Avis Chipman, May Lou Oakley and Verna Becker; Vernon and JoDean made doughnuts and the cups and napkins were donated by American Bank and Trust, American Family Insurance and Quoin Financial.

Sitting at the registration table were JoDean Joy, drive coordinator, Marilyn Johnson, Janice Manning, Charlotte Taylor, Delores Ames and Arlette Heitzman. Ruth Roeber made the reminder calls to the donors.

Mark your 2014 calendar for the drive on January 9 and 10.

If you would be interested in donating at the January drive you can contact JoDean Joy and she will add your name to the list of people she calls. Information on whether you would be eligible to donate can be obtained by calling United Blood Services at 1-800-996-3688. Perhaps there can be more than 24 new or renewed donors in January. Our community is the greatest!

Ruth A. Moller|The Miller Press

SCHOOL DONORS received shirts at the blood drive. Pictured are, bottom left: Mike Ruth, Courtney Bertsch, Carter Kindle, and Riley Mullaney. Kneeling: Nathan Kolda, Arlene Batin, Laela Van Zee, Pam Van Zee, Kassie Beckett, Sara Gates, Taisa Blasdell, Martina Kittelson-Caviness. Standing, Gayle Vrooman, Renee Clement, Jake Fremark, Chris Kaufman, Tre Blasdell, Dee Rogers, Karen Gesinger and Ruth Hoyle. Donating but not pictured were Ashley Aymar, Lexy Gimbel, Matthew Van Zee, Nick Ortmeier, Brooke Joy, Beau Keeter and Mason Breitling.

Nov. 6/13, 1913

The Wessington Times contains the obituary of Monroe Patridge, a pioneer settler of Rose Hill Twp. Deceased was 70 years old, and a veteran of the Civil War.

This is the time of year when stray dogs are left in the city, either wandering here themselves or accidently lost by their owners. At any rate, they are a nuisance. They infest the streets in groups of three to half a dozen, running and barking at teams and automobiles. If owners do not claim them and keep them off the streets, they should be killed.

A land deal involving nearly $100,000 was consummated in Huron this week between Dr Chambers, J.C. Jefferson and others, and the Elm Creek Hutterische Bruder Germinde Society. The deal was the sale of 1,939 acres, at $60 per acre. The Hutterische Society are of the same denomination as that of the Jim River Colony living north of the city.

The Huron Daily Herald of yesterday announces that the Great Northern Railroad will extend southwest from Huron to Chamberlain next year.

Oct. 31/Nov. 7, 1963

Eagle Scout David Posey will attend a recognition ceremony at Aberdeen, which is being held for all Eagle Scouts in the Pheasant Council who have recently earned the highest Scouting award.

A series of break-ins occurring over the past weekend are under the investigation of the city police department and the county sheriff. The robberies committed were an apparent effort to obtain money, as little or no merchandise was missing.

Barriers on a new segment of I-90 east of Rapid City will come down about Nov. 1. The 8.992-mile section is just east of Box Elder, and will give 45 minutes of continuous Interstate highway from west of Wasta to north of Piedmont.

Nov. 1/ 8, 1973

Two brothers died Tuesday, Oct. 30 at almost the same hour. Avert Gortmaker, 78, died Tuesday morning at his home in Miller. At almost the same time, family received word that Ben Gortmaker had died in Sioux Falls.

A hunting accident about noon Sunday resulted in the death of Joel William Fanning, 17, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Fanning, Jr., of rural St. Lawrence. The accident occurred on the Fanning farm, where the youth was hunting with a party, when a shotgun accidentally discharged.

Thirty-six head of steer calves were sold for an average of $395 per head, totaling $14,220, at the Central South Dakota Calf Show and Sale held Nov. 3 at Miller Livestock Sales Co.

Nov. 1/9, 1983

For an unprecedented third consecutive year, the 2^nd Battalion, 147^th Field Artillery, S.D. Army National Guard, has received the Walter T. Kerwin Readiness Award.

The Central Plains Arts Council is presenting “Deadwood Dick” or “The Game of Gold” at Nov. 18-20 at the Miller Livestock Sale Barn. It’s a “meller-drama” at its classic best. Leading the action are black-hearted villain Lester Moeller, heroines Michelle Carr and Glenda Gross. Western heartthrobs are Julian Gugenheim and Scott Heidepriem. Rosemary Dunn runs the Man-Trap Saloon.

Helmuth “Dutch” Huber ended stocking shelves, sacking groceries and operating checkout counter, with retirement last Saturday. With the exception of military service, he has spent most of his work days in a grocery store.

Nov. 1/8, 1993

The smoldering remains of what was Greg Froning’s alfalfa crop creates a charred scene. By the time Polo firemen were able to get the flames extinguished, 16 stacks of alfalfa had burned. Then gale force winds started up Thursday, and Polo and Orient fire departments battled the wall of flames coming from a hay yard full of bale stacks.

Myrtle E. Johnson, 100, of Miller, died Oct. 22 at Prairie Good Samaritan Center. She was born in 1893 at St. Lawrence to Charles and Elizabeth Stegmire. She married Arthur Johnson in 1916. They farmed in south Hand County, and in the 1930s they moved to Miller. She worked at the hotel as a housekeeper (known as a chambermaid).

The keynote speaker at Mid-Dakota’s annual meeting November 9 will be South Dakota Governor Walter Dale Miller. The meeting will be held at the Miller Armory.

John McInnis, Miller, was honored in observance of 50 years of continuous membership of the Masonic Lodge. About 30 fellow Masons and friends from Huron, Wessington and Miller were present for the ceremony.

Nov. 5/12, 2003

Today is a milestone for Sadie Ames of Miller. She is one of the three oldest South Dakotans at this time. Two have already turned 107; Sadie joins the other two who have 107 candles on their cake, on Nov. 5. She is one of the few who can say she has lived in three centuries.

After being on the run since his escape Oct. 9 from the Beadle County Correctional Facility, Jason Heasley, 29, was arrested early Oct. 29 in Sioux Falls, where he was hiding in an attic crawl space.

Carole Skinner, Miller, is featured in the September 2003 issue of US AIRWAYS ATACHE, the magazine available to travelers using US Airways. She was interviewed just after she won her second International Whistlers’ Championship.

Emily Schock is on the rugby team at the University of Minnesota, where she is majoring in chemical engineering. The rugby team traveled to Champaign, Ill. and beat the University of Kentucky, qualifying them for national finals. Her team in now one of the eight in the nation to qualify.

RETROSPECT

(Editor’s note: Most people who were living in 1963 have strong memories of the assassination of President John Kennedy. But Miller’s Margaret Ann Walsh has a closer connection… following are her recollections as a Washington D.C. resident.)

The words most often quoted from President Kennedy’s inaugural address were, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

Little did anyone know on that day, that this very young president, whose presidency was so filled with promise, would make the supreme sacrifice of his life, for his country.

Friday, Nov. 22, 1963 dawned a beautiful, sunny, fall day in the nation’s capitol—certainly not the kind of day that would portend the anguish and tragedy that would unfold throughout the United States and the Free World.

At the time, I was employed as an executive secretary to the legal counsel for the Post Office Department.

Since it was such a beautiful day, I decided to walk up to Hecht’s Department Store and do some shopping over my lunch hour.

I just returned to my office when the Red Telephone on my boss’s desk began ringing. I hurried to answer it, and the voice on the other end said, “This is the White House calling. President Kennedy has just been shot in Dallas. We fear that it may be a conspiracy to shoot all cabinet officials, and we want them to report immediately to the White House.” I replied that Mr. Doyle was at lunch, but I would get hold of him immediately.

I rushed to my phone to call Cere’s Restaurant, only to learn that all of the telephone lines in the D.C. metro area were jammed (and would remain that way throughout the weekend). So I literally ran the five blocks to the restaurant in five-inch heels, and met up with Mr. Doyle on his way back to the office.

Not much work was accomplished the remainder of the afternoon, as we all crowded around the few (black and white!) TVs available throughout the department.

The voice and demeanor of chief correspondent Walter Cronkite with his news bulletin to the world is forever etched in my mind. He looked directly into the camera, removed his glasses and reported, with tears in his eyes and his voice choked with emotion, “President John F. Kennedy died at Parkland Hospital, Dallas, Texas, at 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time this afternoon.” There was a long pause. “Some 20 minutes ago.” He laid down his papers, bowed his head and continued, “This is Walter Cronkite, CBS News, reporting.”

We all just stared at the TV, as I’m sure everyone in the United States did, in complete silence and disbelief. This just could not be true!

When my roommate Glenda and I walked out of the Post Office Department at 5 p.m., we were met with a city we scarcely recognized.

The usual hustle and bustle and noise of honking horns was completely absent that night. The city that was eerily quiet, almost completely devoid of vehicular traffic and honking horns. People were totally at a loss as where to go, what to do, what to say. Their handsome, young, intelligent, sophisticated, elegant, erudite leader, filled with so much promise, was dead.

It was a beautiful, warm evening so we all simply wandered around, talking softly to each other, and to strangers we would never see again.

Somehow, word spread that Jacqueline would be returning to the White House, aboard Air Force One, at approximately 10 p.m.

So we walked over to the White House, where a large crowd had already gathered. We learned that Vice President Johnson, with Lady Bird Johnson and Jacqueline by his side, had been administered the Oath of Office as President of the United States aboard Air Force One, as it was in flight from Dallas to Washington, D.C.

We stood by as the group deplaned, with Jacqueline, eyes cast downward, still wearing the elegant fuchsia Chanel suit she had begun the day with, now stained with the blood of her husband, as she had cradled his head in her lap as the limousine had sped from the motorcade to Parkland Hospital in Dallas.

Glenda and I decided to walk the five miles to our apartment in Arlington, Va. Not until we arrived at our apartment did we realize that we had done all of our walking in five-inch heels! Such was our emotional state that our feet didn’t even hurt!

Saturday was a dark day, with pouring rain all day long, so we stayed in the apartment, glued to the TV, as dignitaries from all over the world began to arrive in Washington, to offer their condolences to the Kennedy family, and to attend the President’s funeral.

Sunday was a cold, sunny day. I attended Mass at St. Stephen’s Church in Georgetown. The front pew was cordoned off with a black rope. This was where the President, Jacqueline, Caroline and John-John had worshipped every Sunday.

After Mass, I walked down to the White House, where a very large crowd had already gathered. People had driven and flown in from all across the country to express their condolences and sorrow for the horrific event that had taken place Friday.

Of course, all this took place long before the advent of cell phones. However, several people were listening to transistor radios…and shots rang out once again in Dallas. We soon learned that a nightclub owner, Jack Ruby, had shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of the President, as he was being moved from one jail cell to another. Would the shooting never stop? What was this world coming to?

Monday was cold and cloudy, as we lined Pennsylvania Avenue, watching the funeral caisson, pulled by a riderless horse, as it wound its way from the White House to the Capitol Rotunda, where President Kennedy would lie in state. Immediately behind the caisson was a long procession led by Jacqueline, her head held high, her face covered by a full-length veil, striding at a brisk pace. At her side was the President’s brother, Robert, followed by members of the Kennedy family, world leaders and members of the President’s Cabinet. The throng of people lining the sidewalk was utterly silent…there was not a sound to be heard, except the clip-clap of the horse’s feet.

At the Rotunda, Jacqueline and Caroline knelt, kissed the casket and offered a silent prayer, while John-John stood silently by. As Jacqueline and Caroline rose, John-John joined them and offered a perfect military salute in honor of his father. This became the picture that was seen around the world! What poignant memories it evokes.

Following the Funeral Mass at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, the procession moved by motorcade to Arlington National Cemetery. The sound of Taps rang out and Cardinals Cushing and Hannan offered the final prayers of farewell as Jacqueline knelt to light the Eternal Flame.

All was still. And so ended the reign of Camelot…all too soon.

The Miller School Board met November 11. Connie Schroeder presided, in the absence of board chair, David Fremark.

Elementary principal Tammy Caffee told the board the elementary student council has been active. The council will have shirts and other products on-line to raise money. Council members also visited Wessington’s community group to tell about their activities. The students have designated December 20 as “no-paper day” at the school, and may also have a “no-paper day” on Arbor Day.

Caffee said plans are to paint “Bully-Free Starts With Me” on the wall outside the library. Students who take the “pledge” against bullying will have their handprints added to the display.

She noted the upcoming iPad Apps activity night November 19, for parents and elementary students.

Secondary principal Steve Schumacher reported the SDSU concert choir had performed at the school November 5 as part of their fall tour, and said the Liverpool Legends concert was scheduled for November 13.

The Miller Student Council will again be decorating a tree at the Capitol in Pierre, and junior high students are considering decorating a tree for the Hand County Courthouse.

A report from the S.D. Board of Regent stated the ACT national test score average is 21.1, and South Dakota’s average is 21.8. Of the 11 students from the 2013 graduating class who are attending South Dakota institutions, the average was 22.9.

Schumacher also recognized the month’s Students in the Spotlight.

Superintendent Mike Ruth’s Rustler Rah Rahs recognized the Miller FFA’s ag mechanics team, which placed 19^th in the country at the National FFA Convention. Individual members placing were Nathan Bertsch and Paul Waring (gold emblem), and Trent Steptoe and Tanner Cain (silver emblem). Also recognized were junior high music students of the week, Garret Knox, Lizzy Simons, Morgan Reber and Joseph Wieseler.

Effective Schools for teachers will be held December 2. Common Core curriculum will be covered, as well as discussion about a four-day school week.

Of special interest, Ruth said two speakers will be at the school Wednesday, Dec. 4, to address the issue of bullying. Throughout the day, they will meet with all classes, K-12, as well as staff, bus drivers and lunchroom personnel. Parents will be invited to attend for a meal and presentation in the evening.

Discussion items included the auction November 16 at the old elementary school, and items that had been added to the list. Superintendent Ruth said he attended the November 4 City Council meeting, and it appears the City is favorable to taking over the property, although action was tabled until the November 18 council meeting.

Ruth reported the land acquisition requests from Donlin Addition residents is more complicated than first thought. The school attorney advised the district to take certain steps before going through with a sale, which will lengthen the time frame.

The City has contacted the district about possible annexation to the City of the Seagren lot, now owned by the district. Ruth said there are also prescribed steps to take, and he has asked the City how they would like to proceed.

The National Guard requested approval from the board to lease rooms 106 and 107 of the former armory area, beginning November 12, if approved, for a 12-month period, with the option to renew.

Ruth said a delegate representative is needed for a meeting in Pierre of school board members to discuss possible legislation and platforms to support during the 2014 Legislative Session. Board member Jonathon Hurd volunteered to attend.

Also discussed was a 2013-14 Rustler Goals list, which will be posted on the school’s website. Nine goals were listed, and Ruth said many goals will be ongoing.

Under action items, the board approved an insurance agreement with EMC Insurance, for a total premium of $68,000.

The amount of the revolving fund was raised from $5,000 to $10,000 for the 2014 fiscal year. The revolving fund is used to pay monthly fees, such as dues, registrations, game officials, etc.

Approved were requests to wave facility use fees for the Hand County 4-H recognition banquet on November 16, and the Miller Music Parents’ Snow Queen event November 30.

The goals discussed were approved; the lease agreement with the National Guard was approved; and additional surplus items were approved to the school auction.

Also approved were snow removal quotes from Evans Construction: payloader, $125/hour; truck, $125/hour; blade/plow, $160/hour.

Following an executive session, the following actions were taken:

Approved amended work agreements for Teri Kelley and Shanna Kolda; approved Kaelub Grubb as part-time custodian; approved Jake Cawthorne as an .80 assistant wrestling coach; approved Steve Schumacher as head junior high boys’ basketball coach, and Joe Raleigh as assistant JH boys’ basketball coach; approved Daryn Pederson as head golf coach; and approved Mike Ruth as volunteer assistant, boys’ basketball, Kim Blackwell as volunteer assistant, girls’ basketball, and Gayle Vrooman as volunteer assistant, girls’ basketball.

The next regular board meeting will be held Monday, Dec. 9.

Coming Saturday, Nov. 30…the sparkling Snow Queen Festival, sponsored by the Miller Music Parents. Festivities get underway at 7 p.m. at the Miller Armory. This year’s theme is “Peppermint Twist.”

Eight senior girls are vying for the coveted Snow Queen title. They are Kayla Boomsma, Danae Duxbury, Keisha Grubb, Jenna Heilman, Macey Klages, Natalee Kolda, Amanda Lewellen and Shelby Lingscheit. Senior escorts will be Jeremy Coss, Herman Eichstadt and Chris Kaufmann.

Jonni Blake, 2013 Senior Snow Queen, will crown this year’s Senior Queen.

Twelve freshman girls are candidates for the Junior Snow Queen title. They are Maralyn Carder, Allison Grogan, Jennifer Kenaston, Paige Kilker, Brooke Lettau, Sarah Martchinskie, Chloe Miner, Maycee Mohr, Kallie Ruhnke, Taylor Schlechter, Chasity Selting and Shaly Werdel. Escorts will be Glenn Aymar, Eric Hasart and Marshall Johnson.

The new Junior Snow Queen will be crowned by last year’s queen, Shae Knox.

In addition, first grade girls will grace the stage as Little Miss Snowflakes. They are Sheridyn Sivertsen, Morgan Kolda, Olivia Resel, Aleah Schlechter, Sydnee Blake, Olivia Flor, Cora Peterson, Arielle Mine, Annaliese Van Zee, Emma Fritzsche, Dana Wallace, Avry Fischer, Carlie Songer and Abby Boomsma.

Escorts for the Snowflakes are first graders Kellan Hurd, James Fritzsche, Dixon Knox, Isaac McKinstry, Haidyn Huss, James Lammers, Maverick Nelson, Terence Frueh, Mathis Resel, Eli Batin, Garrett Batin, Reed Fortune, Jesse Hughes, Hudson Cain, Braeden Naber, Joshua Phinney, Pierce Baumberger, Gentry Harrell, Talan Heezen, Marshall Conkey, Colby Kolda and Corey Leisy.

Ed Schaff will emcee the evening’s events. Entertainment will be provided by the Miller High School jazz band and vocal jazz, and For the Love of Dance.

Of course, also part of the annual festival will be the appearance of Frosty…his/her identity will be revealed during the program. There is still time to submit your guess of who the “Great White Snowman” is. Send guesses to Mystery Snowman, 206 West 8^th Street, Miller, SD 57362.

The newly-crowned Senior and Junior Snow Queens will participate at the South Dakota Snow Queen Festival, to be held at Aberdeen in January. The Junior Snow Queen ceremony will be Saturday, Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. The Senior Snow Queen festival will be Saturday, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. at the Aberdeen Civic Center.

The Liverpool Legends played to an enthusiastic crowd Wednesday night, November 13 at the Miller High School Gym. The band started with the original Beatles look and sound with the black suit coats and the earlier hits from the band.

They took an intermission and changed into the Sargent Pepper outfits and the band and chorus students joined them on stage. They did many hits from that time period with the students singing and playing back up with them.

Children and adults alike were dancing, clapping, and singing along.

Director Desiree Yeigh stated “This whole experience was completely geared towards the students. We wanted them to step out of their box and try something new. Not everyone has the opportunity to work with a real live professional band, let alone play on stage with them. Our goal was to bring a boost in the music department and I hope this is something that the kids will take with them for the rest of their lives.”

Director Cleo Kleinsasser added, “This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these students.  They got to perform with a grammy-nominated band – it just doesn’t get any better than that!”.

Student Amanda Lewellen agreed, “As big of statures as they are, I was surprised at what nice people they were. And also how excited they were to come to a small community like Miller. If they come back to Miller, I will come back from college to see them perform again.” 

Yeigh and Kleinsasser discussed with Marty Scott aka George Harrison how much wonderful feedback we had on the event. He commented, “Please tell the kids that they did a GREAT job and we had a blast working with them.”

Janet Kittelson | The Miller Press

Miller High School Band and Chorus members received first-hand stage experience last Wednesday when they performed with the Liverpool Legends at the Miller Armory.

Clarence Wagner, 80, of Miller, S.D., died Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls.

The funeral service was held Monday, Dec. 2, at the First United Methodist Church, Miller with Pastor Mark Johnsen officiating. Burial followed at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller.

Clarence or CW as many called him, was born October 27, 1933 to Robert and Hulda (Ulmer) Wagner in Hand County and was an only child. He attended his first eight years at Alpha School, started high school in Miller and graduated in 1951.

CW started farming on his own in 1950. On March 3, 1953, he married Mable Haeffner in Renville, Minnesota. To this union, four children were born: Rodney, Lynette, Gary and Dale. Their first home was seven miles north, one mile east, and one mile north of Miller. Around 1963, they moved to a farm five miles north of Miller that is now Wagner Farms headquarters. He actively retired from farming in the spring of 2011.

CW and Mable enjoyed winters in Arizona from 1999 to 2005. He enjoyed going to morning coffee, family gatherings, tractor pulls, and running to get parts for the boys. It was not uncommon for him to be in three different towns in one day. He loved visiting with people no matter what age. CW was known as a generous man with great integrity. CW had a smile like no other, he smiled with his heart.

His presence will be deeply missed, especially at the shop, five miles north of Miller.

Grateful to have shared in his life were his children: Rodney (Mary) Wagner of Miller, Lynette (Bob) Moser of Rapid City, and Gary (Julie) Wagner of Miller; grandchildren: Sara (Casey) Gates, Matthew (Kelly) Wagner, Cody and Cassie Moser, Ryan (Brooke) Wagner, Justin, Jamie and Blaine Wagner and Lyndsay, Rhett and Camrynn Wagner; great grandchildren: Trey, Tyra and Ellie Gates, Landon and Lawson Wagner and Rya Wagner.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mable in 2008; and son, Dale in 2008.

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

Clarence Wagner 1933-2013

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November 14, 1913

Weather conditions find farmers taking advantage of it to take their grain to market and haul home coal and other winter supplies. The stock is gaining the benefits of this fine weather and going into winter in fine shape.

J.H. Wiren paid a visit to the county seat Saturday night. Mrs. Wiren and children were away at Percy Nicholas’, leaving the house alone. During the evening, someone went through the house, ransacking everything. Nothing was missing but $30.

Dr. and Mrs. J.F. Paddleford and daughter arrived on Tuesday from Craig, Neb., making the trip in their new Ford auto. Earl arrived with the car of household effects about the same time. The family will again take up residence on their fine farm in Alden Township, eight miles north of Ree Heights, while the doctor establishes an office in town and takes up the practice of his profession.

November 16, 1923

Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Shearer received a cablegram from Bangkok, Siam recently, announcing the birth of a son to Mr. and Mrs. H.G. Knox. Mrs. Knox will be remembered as Lela Shearer.

Chas. Beranek met with a very painful accident last Saturday morning. He was fixing the hose on his water tank and in some way his jackknife slipped, cutting a deep gash in one of his fingers. He went to Miller and had the injured member dressed. Lloyd Haefs assisted on the dray, but Charlie is back to work now.

Miss Nina Rouse visited at Seldon Mitchell’s Thursday. Miss Rouse, a cousin of Mr. Mitchell, is making a trip on horseback from Billings, Mont. to Area, Ill., a small town 30 miles from Chicago. She has averaged 28 ½ miles a day, has rested six days, two on account of weather. She plans to make the trip in two months. She is alone and has succeeded in arriving at some town every night except for one. The distance is about 1,400 miles.

November 17, 1933

Considerable damage was done to property throughout the territory during the extremely high wind Sunday. Buildings were wrecked, chimneys blown down and the floors in houses covered with a layer of dust. The wind continued at about a 60-mile gale most of the day. Old timers say that it was the worst they have experienced in South Dakota in years.

Word has been received here that Melbert Clemens of Huron was quite seriously hurt last week while putting on storm windows on a third story. In some manner, the ladder slipped, letting him fall to the cement sidewalk. He suffered several broken bones and injured his back.

November 19, 1943

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Carl Sisk of Miller Wednesday night, Nov. 10. Mrs. Sisk is a sister to Mrs. L.M. Sanders.

Jake Gascoigne of Wakonda arrived the first of the week to take over the job as section foreman and his family will move here the latter part of the week. They have rented the Fawcett house, which was vacated last Saturday by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Carr, who have moved to the Jones residence north of the depot.

Cpt. Bill Harvey left Sunday for Drew Field, Fla., after spending his extended furlough with his parents. He was able to be here for the funeral of his brother, Orrin Harvey.

No 1953 files

November 15, 1963

Ronald Shaw, nine-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Shaw, broke his leg about noon Sunday. He was playing on a vacant lot with a large group of youngsters. He was running and stepped into a hole and in falling, broke his leg. He is expected to be in traction four to six weeks, and then in a cast for 11 weeks.

The Ree Heights grade school will have a girls’ basketball team. Their coach, a busy homemaker and mother of nine, Mrs. James Hancock, has volunteered her services. All girls grades five through eight may take part.

Roy Hammill, who was recently installed as Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of South Dakota, was honored at a reception Sunday, Nov. 10. Maxwell Chapter No. 133 was host for the event. Guests were present from 35 South Dakota towns, as well as Davenport, Neb. and Mundelein, Ill.

November 16, 1973

Mr. and Mrs. Orville Hill were hosts Sunday, Nov. 11 at a party honoring Mrs. Hill’s mother, Mrs. Mary Pearson, on her 95th birthday. The party was held at Prairie Nursing Home, where Mrs. Pearson is a resident.

Leonard Fawcett had the misfortune of having a horse fall with him on Thursday and will have to be in traction for six weeks. His address is Hand County Memorial Hospital.

Two granddaughters of Franklin Deuter, who are in Europe, recently got together for a visit. Diana McKay, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George McKay of Orient, who is a teacher in Unterweser, Germany, had a school holiday, so flew to Paris to visit her cousin, Jerri Lynn Ray, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jery Ray of Chardon, Ohio. She is a student at the Catholic University of the West in Paris. The girls’ mothers, who are sisters, are daughters of Franklin Deuter and the late Mrs. Deuter. Buster and Don are also brothers of the Deuter sisters.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hammill entertained the following at supper in their home Tuesday evening of last week: Mr. and Mrs. Charles Beranek, Mrs. Ruth Gardner, Mrs. Ava Haefs and Mrs. Hazel Stockman. The evening was spent playing cards and visiting.

November 17, 1983

All 10 of Franklin Deuter’s children were able to attend his funeral Friday at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Miller. They were all guests at the Allen Hanson home following lunch. Present were Mr. and Mrs. Buster Deuter; Don Deuter; Mr. and Mrs. Dick Deuter, Rapid City; Mr. and Mrs. George McKay, Orient; Mr. and Mrs. R. Jerry Ray, Montrose, Colo.; Maxene Deuter, Brooklyn, NY; Betty Deuter, Buffalo, NY; Mr. and Mrs. John Deuter, Watertown; and Mr. and Mrs. Dean Hyde, Pierre.

Lisa Werdel, daughter of Kenny and Sandy Werdel, recently won a trip to the National 4-H Roundup in Denver, Colo. She was one of eight girls selected from the Rapid City Western Junior Home Economics Show, that joined 4-Hers from several other states and Canada. The trip was from October 5 to October 9.

Georgia Cook attended the National Democratic meeting of Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons at the Gree Briar in White Sulphur Springs, W.V. Wednesday, and returned home Saturday.

Mr. and Mrs. David Phinney and family attended the Purrington-Joy wedding in Miller Saturday evening.

Polo-Orient

It all culminates around the Thanksgiving table, when families gather to give thanks, reminisce and catch up on everyone’s activities. And the frosting on the cake (or the whipped cream on the pumpkin pie) this year was having weather that even though chilly, was sunshine and no snow on what could have been a white November 28 Thanksgiving. 

Temperatures did require head cover and mittens when they dropped to 0 to 2 degrees just north of Polo with the highs in the 40’s and maybe into the 50’s briefly.  But some days with no wind and sunshine spelled acceptable winter weather.

Spotting the bright orange of the deer hunters was pretty routine following deer season opening November 21. Sometimes one has to wonder if deer can read the calendar. How else do you explain seeing them routinely before the season opens and not finding them when you are looking for them with the bow and arrow or gun?

Gathering in Orient on Wednesday, Nov. 20 to celebrate De Schaefers birthday were Bonnie Boyd, Orient; aunt Sandy and Perry Schmidt and grandsons Cameron and Kayden Schmidt of Redfield; and Jack and JoAnn Schaefers. The Alaska Schaefers spent several days visiting her parents, Lloyd and Bonnie Boyd in Orient, before De and Bonnie went to Centerville to spend a few days with Sam and Doug Pugh, Rebecca and Sarah in Chancellor.

Recent overnight guests in the LeRoy and Donna Schaefers home were Carl and Marge Durfee of Navarre, Fla. Vic and Marion Martinmaas accompanied LeRoy and Donna Tuesday evening when they enjoyed a get-together with David and Glenna Martinmaas and Mern Coyle in Miller.

Father Murtha was in Polo Thanksgiving morning to celebrate Mass at St. Liborius for Thanksgiving Day.

Grant and Weston Martinmaas of Watertown visited Grandpa Vic and Grandma Marion Martinmaas the day after Thanksgiving and enjoyed playing several games of Sequence with them. 

Tony and Brenda Schaefers, Ellis, Eva and Oliver of Littleton, Colo. arrived Wednesday and visited in the parental LeRoy and Donna Schaefers home through Thanksgiving weekend. Joining the group for Thanksgiving dinner were Scott, and Jennifer Gibson, Emily, Jake and Ally, of Miller; Tom and  Sarah Schuster, TC and Tori of Bath; and Vic and Marion Martinmaas. 

Chad and Trixie Schlechter, Xavier, Jake and Hannah, hosted Thanksgiving for her mother Patty Anderson, Redfield; Father Terry Anderson, Huron; Darrel and Joy Anderson, Redfield,  and Xavier from Mitchell; Lornie Schlechter, Al and Tara Schlechter, Nick, Lindsey Trollope and Tyler Starman, Albion, Neb.; Ashley and Isabella Trollope and Ethan Hargens, Julie Holida, Joshua and Nathan, Hayti; Andy and Deidra Schlechter, Denae, Vonna Gail, Aleah and Terrell; and Father Chester Murtha.

Tony and Brenda Schaefers, Ellis, Eva and Oliver of Littleton, Colo. visited in the Vic and Marion Martinmaas home over Thanksgiving weekend. Saturday, Marilyn Burckhard of Aberdeen and Shawn and Joy Burckhard of Savage, Minn. visited in the Vic and Marion Martinmaas home. Chuck Martinmaas was an afternoon caller.
 


Rory Wieseler and Jamie Sternhagen from Rapid City came for opening deer season last weekend to the Jim and Marietta Wieseler farm. Jamie returned to Rapid on Monday and Rory stayed for a week.

Thanksgiving guests of Jim and Marietta Wieseler were Lanae Wieseler, Rapid City; Jerry and Laree Giovannettone, John and Lane, Sioux Falls; and Rory Wieseler, Rapid City. They visited with Rosemary Wieseler in Redmond, Mich. Jamie rejoined the group Friday evening. Saturday evening they had an early Christmas and on Sunday they celebrated Jim’s December 2nd birthday.

Darrell and Stella Foreman were joined by family for Thanksgiving. Their guests were Doyle and Kay Foreman; their children Cody, Madison and Kayla, Vermillion; Sherry Roth, Sioux Falls; Jennifer Roth and Matt Jenssen, Humboldt; Kristina Roth and Jason Jerimiason, Sioux Falls; and Sheila Foreman, Rapid City.

Home for Thanksgiving at the Jack Schaefers’ home were Colleen and Cory Leer, Milton, Fla.; Doug and Darla Schaefers, Danielle Phillips, Kiera, Keegan and Beau from Huron; Dixie Schaefers and Dustin DeWaard, Mitchell; Danae Schaefers, Milwaukee, Wis.; Camille Dunnick and Braden, Sioux Falls; Dean and Cherie Schaefers, Ft. Worth, Texas; Delmar and De Schaefers, Anchorage, Alaska; Carole and Jeff Stoecker, Jeremy and Chantel Stoecker and Aubrey, Tolstoy; Matt and Chelsea Stoecker and CJ, Sioux Falls; Darin Stoecker and Marissa Badger, Watertown; and Darwin Schaefers and Cristi Pfountz, Auburn, Wash.  The 31 family members enjoyed their Thanksgiving dinner at the Ponderosa dining facilities. 

Thanksgiving news continues to be in the making as calls/e-mails are received and will be in next week’s paper. Thanks to those who submitted.

The world can be pretty small sometimes. Like when you are gathered for a special occasion with children from Anchorage, Alaska, and across the room are also people from Anchorage.  Ten days ago, Burton and Laura Anderson drove to Orient for supper with their guests, Mike Higgins and Jim Farrage from Anchorage, Alaska, and Kathy and Vic DePalma, Arcadia, Calif. Mike was originally from Wessington Springs and has been in Anchorage the past 20 years. Delmar and De Schaefers have been in Anchorage for 30 years.

That is almost as ironic as the Schaefers’ daughter Colleen and Cory Leer from Milton, Fla., arriving in Polo two days after Carl and Marge Durfee were here from Navarre, Fla. The two former Polo graduates and actually cousins, Marge and Colleen visit back and forth occasionally since they are only about 40 minutes apart in Florida. However, they just missed one another on the Polo visits, since Durfees were here Tuesday and Leers arrived Thursday.   

Catholic Daughters will be meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. at the Orient Community Center. Plans will be finalized for our annual Christmas letter mailing to military, adoptees, etc., and the December 11 annual bake sale in Miller. 

The KCs will have their monthly meeting at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5 in Mary’s Room in Polo.

Thanksgiving is: families, food, fun

Nutrition Site

Served at Miller Housing sites and home delivered meals

For information, call Wheels & Meals, 853-2869

Thursday, December 5

Meat loaf, mashed potatoes/gravy, green bean casserole, dessert bar, bread

Friday, December 6

Cheddar baked fish, au gratin potato, peas, apple sauce gelatin, bread

Monday, December 9

Cheeseburger soup, saltine crackers, celery sticks, peaches, bread stick

Tuesday, December 10

Chicken teriyaki w/rice, Asian vegetables, ice cream/fortune cookie, bread

Wednesday, December 11

Beef stroganoff w/noodles, green beans, apple rings, bread

Good Samaritan Society, Miller

Pastor Dave Belzer, representing Miller Church of the Nazarene, led the worship service Sunday, Nov. 23. He led singing, accompanied by Sue Jones at piano. He read Hebrews 1:1-8, and gave a message, “Jesus—the Hope We Have of Eternity.” He also sang a special number, “If You’ll Take My Jesus.”

Monday afternoon found us listening to three stories read by Audrey Oligmueller: “When Time Stood Still” by Pat Stevens; “Dear Grandma” by Leona Noyes; and “The Spirit Lives On” by Jack Jensen. All three stories were taken from the December/January 2014 “Country” magazine.

Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Hammer led Monday evening hymn sing. Jesse led the singing and Darlene played piano and accordion. The two also sang a special number, “Thank You, Lord, for Your Blessing Me.”

Father Chester Murtha, St. Ann Catholic Church, celebrated Mass Tuesday morning.

Bingo games were played Tuesday afternoon. Helpers were Darlene Cox, Dorothy Engelmann, Mary Haeffner, Orville Kleinsasser, LaVonne Puffer, Annette Snodgrass, Charlotte Taylor and Janice Wilbur.

A soup and sandwich supper fundraiser for a new kitchen range was held Tuesday evening. A bake sale and a John Deere tractor model raffle were also held. Three soups were served: Wisconsin cheese, chicken noodle and chili, along with ham and cheese sandwiches. We appreciate Jan Gimbel’s nutrition and wellness and service learning class students who made sandwiches and donated several baked good items.

Appreciative hugs also go out to Millerdale HB, Inc. who donated the sandwich buns; to all staff and others who brought baked goods and made soup; to Elders Brickery and Walker (LDS missionaries) who helped serve the soup and set up and take down tables; and to Tamisen Ames, Jeanine Hammill and Michelle Wieseler and the junior high Presbyterian Youth groups who assisted in a variety of ways.

It was a successful event and we are thankful for all who attended.

Wednesday morning activities included Rosary led by Agnes Kolda, and Men’s Coffee.

Kevin Hofer gave a devotion, “The Soda Can Lesson,” from Isaiah 2:1-5 during Bible study time Wednesday afternoon. Gertrude Pautsch played piano for singing during the activity.

Card games were played Wednesday evening.

Some residents went out and others had guests in for Thanksgiving on Thursday.

Women’s Coffee was served Friday morning, and Balloon Bop was played in the afternoon.

Inspirational quote of the week: “May every heart and every home continue through the year, to feel the warmth and wonderment of this season of good cheer.” ~ Helen Steiner Rice

Supper fundraiser
is successful

November 27, 1913

The automobile registration for 1913 shows up at the present date with 14,628 automobile licenses and 1,207 motorcycles.

The new school house in St. Lawrence is fast nearing completion and the teachers are expecting to occupy their rooms within the next two weeks.

Mr. Samuel Stobbs and Miss Minnie Rowen were married at high noon November 19 at the home of the bride’s parents, south of Wessington. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Rowen, and is a young lady of charming disposition and has a host of friends. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.T. Stobbs and is a man of good family and is a “chip off the old block.” He is an industrious young man of good habits.

November 21, 1963

More than 100 persons gathered at the new Methodist Church to witness cornerstone-laying ceremonies November 17. The pastor explained that a copper box will be placed behind the cornerstone, which is located in the west wall of the main entrance.

A Wessington bowler set an all-time high in league bowling for Coral Lanes Thursday night when he fell just seven pins short of 700. Hitting 693 with scores of 219, 275 and 199 was Delbert Hoffman, who bowls with Davis TV of Wessington.

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Stobbs were honored in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married Nov. 19, 1913, at the home of her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Alex Rowen, near Wessington. The Stobbs moved to Miller in 1944 from Wessington, where he operated a service station. He is retired but assists his son at Stobbs Oil Company.

November 22, 1973

Heavy voter turnout defeated school bonds: The majority of voters of Miller Independent School District #4 turned thumbs down on the question of a $1.1 million bond issue for a new high school building. Sixty percent of the eligible voters in the district was required to carry the election. The total vote showed 728 in favor, with 1,165 opposing the bond issue.

Hand County 4-H Recognition Banquet was held Saturday night, when 93 4-Hers, leaders and friends of 4-H were honored for past work, and support of the 4-H program.

Word has been received of the death of Harry J. Lapke of Minneapolis. Lapke, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Anton Lapke of northern Hand County. (Mrs. Lapke was murdered in 1929, and the murder has never been solved.)

November 23, 1983

George B. Ice, 87, died at Hand County Memorial Hospital. He was born on a farm east of St. Lawrence. During World War I he served in the Army Air Service. After his discharge he began his career in aviation, which included barnstorming throughout the Midwest. He trained pilots during World War II. After the war, he started a crop spraying business in the Miller area. He is survived by his wife, a son and daughter-in-law, three grandsons, three great-grandchildren, and a brother, Clyde Ice.

The parishioners of St. Liborius Church in Polo have been involved in a redecorating project of the church, and it requires many busy hands.

The Miller Rustler girls’ basketball emerged as the District 14 champions over Wessington Springs, which gave them a berth in the Region 4 Tournament, which started Monday in Huron.

November 22, 1993

Dan Keck, St. Lawrence, doesn’t mind taking risks to meet his goals. His successful efforts have been recognized by the National FFA Organization, which named him the 1993 Ameican Star Farmer. He was chosen from a national field of four finalists.

The girls’ basketball team claimed their third straight district title, and will travel to Parkston Monday night for a game with the Platte Black Panthers. The winner advances to the State A Tournament in Huron.

The Hand County Commission met in special session November 9. Ron Blachford met with the commission concerting the construction of the rubble site. The commission named Blachford as site manager.

November 26, 2003

Ellie Cotton, St. Lawrence postmaster, was honored as 573 Postmaster of the Year at a meeting of postmasters within the 573 ZIP code area. She has been postmaster for 10 years.

As earthquakes go, it wasn’t mighty, but it was rare. An earthquake with a magnitude of three-point-five hit the area just after 7 p.m. on Nov. 20. Two previous earthquakes have been recorded in Hand County, one in 1899 and one in 1949.

As of Friday, Nov. 21, South Dakota’s 2nd Battalion of the 147th Field Artillery was placed on alert status for possible support of Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom. The battalion has its headquarters in Watertown, with subordinate units in Webster, Sisseton, Aberdeen, Redfield and Miller.

RETROSPECT

Cliff Vitters

Hand County native, Cliff Vitters of Milbank, has been named the recipient of the 2013 Andrus Award for Outstanding Community Service by AARP South Dakota.

The award is AARP’s most prestigious and visible volunteer award for community service. It symbolizes an individual’s power and ability to make a difference in the lives of others.

Dennis Eisnach, AARP South Dakota volunteer state president, stated, “AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they serve. Cliff Vitters is a shining example of what many of us can only hope to accomplish in the next chapter of our lives.”

Clifford Earl Vitters was born in Miller July 5, 1943, to Herbert and Hazel Vitters, and was one of nine children.

He first attended elementary school at Sand Creek School southeast of Wessington, and completed elementary grades at St. Lawrence. He graduated from St. Lawrence High School and attended one winter quarter at Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen. He completed his college education at Huron College, graduating in 1966 with a degree in elementary education.

His first teaching job was at Sheldon, Iowa. He then was hired to teach at Koch School near Milbank, and taught fourth graders there for 13 years. He taught second graders the remaining years as a classroom teacher.

He was asked to develop and implement a computer lab for remedial math and reading.

Vitters retired from teaching in 1987 and then worked at the Grant County Public Library. He also began volunteering for many community projects.

In addition, he has been active in the Milbank Area Retired Teachers Association (MARTA), and was its president for five years.

He organized educational programs and projects for the Milbank Area Retired Teachers, and participates in a variety of AARP activities in Milbank and across the state.

He has been especially passionate about “Kids Against Hunger” and other programs that provide food in his community and around the world.

Eisnach said, “Cliff has always been a steady, capable leader and with a ‘giving back’ attitude. His dedication to community service is contagious. Cliff is one of those people who doesn’t seek any recognition, and serves quietly in the background–but has a tremendous impact on others.”

Vitters and his wife Sandra have two sons, Darwin and Dan, and three grandchildren.

In a “Reminiscent Teacher Essay” written by Vitters, he commented, “I give thanks to God for the gift of teaching and the love for children.”

But not resting on his laurels, he ended the essay by stating, “I continue to be involved in the community, serving as the President of our Milbank Area Retired Teachers Association. In addition, I have served as the Community Service chairperson and assistant treasurer for MARTA. My church is an important part of my life. I volunteer in any way I can from preparing bulletins to visiting nursing homes and giving devotions. I have enjoyed many years teaching the junior fourth, fifth and sixth grade Sunday school class. My volunteer work also includes volunteering at our local library, working with the AARP Driver Safety Program and monthly volunteer work at the local Thrift Store. Driving elderly people to the hospital, clinic and the airport are routine activities as needed. Meals on Wheels delivery is rewarding and an opportunity to visit our shut-ins.”

It doesn’t appear he will become bored anytime soon.

Submitted
HOLIDAY JAM promises to bring bright holiday entertainment with its vocalists, multi-piece band and unique arrangements. The popular group will start off the Capital Campaign for the community center.

A “Holiday Jam” concert, billed as a twist on the holiday season that audiences won’t soon forget, will be performing in Miller Friday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Miller Armory.

The concert is being brought to Miller by the On Hand Development Corporation. The Farmer’s Union in Huron is co-sponsoring in event in memory of Leo Beranek. This is the Capital Campaign kick-off for Miller’s new community center. All proceeds will benefit the center.

This musical showcase features the talents of a multi-piece band playing holiday classics, as well as contemporary new arrangements, featuring the lush, rhythmic horn band sound of Jeremy and Jon Hegg. Filling out the group are some of the region’s finest, most exciting musicians, with alumni from the long-running favorite, Acoustic Christmas. Miller native John Beranek is the show’s producer and will emcee the evening’s show.

Holiday Jam features male and female vocalists, two keyboardists, guitars, percussion, drums, upright bass and horns. With unique arrangements, the group takes age-old music down a fresh new path.

The two-hour show will feature stories of the season, messages for the heart, and music to lift the spirits.

Tickets are available now at the On Hand office, 853-3098.

Jaimi M. Lammers | The Miller Press

Shae Knox, 2013 Junior Snow Queen, crowns her predecessor at the Miller Snow Queen Festival last Saturday night. Looking on are the Junior court, from far left, Sarah Martchinske, Shaly Werdel, and Maralyn Carder as well as 2013 Snow Queen Jonni Blake, seated at right.

AT LEFT: Junior Snow Queen Paige Kilker and Senior Snow Queen Amanda Lewellen will represent Miller at the State Snow Queen Festival in Aberdeen this January.

More photos from the event appear on page 2 of this issue.