<![CDATA[ Latest articles - Marshall County Journal ]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/articles en Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:24:00 -0500 <![CDATA[GRAVEYARD GIRL BRINGS HISTORY TO LIFE ONE HEADSTONE AT A TIME]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5615,graveyard-girl-brings-history-to-life-one-headstone-at-a-time https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5615,graveyard-girl-brings-history-to-life-one-headstone-at-a-time Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:24:00 -0500Tasha Tietz Has Britton Connection
Tasha Tietz uses her headstone-cleaning method to help preserve historic cemetery monuments. After researching proper techniques and obtaining permission, she uses products such as D/2 Biological Solution and soft-bristled brushes to clean headstones. 

 

    With Halloween just around the corner, stories of ghosts, graveyards and the past are especially fitting. But for Tasha Tietz, known online as “Graveyard Girl,” exploring cemeteries is about much more than spooky stories. It is a way to preserve history, honor the people who came before us and uncover the stories behind the names carved in stone, including some right here in the Britton area.
    Tietz, who grew up in Aberdeen, moved to the Britton area after marrying her husband in 2015. His family, the Becks, continues to farm in the area. The couple returned to Aberdeen in 2019, but Tietz’s time near Britton helped spark the cemetery explorations that eventually grew into her online presence.
    “I have been visiting cemeteries for over twenty years, but in the last ten years have truly made it my passion,” she said.
    Her interest began with a love of history and the outdoors. While living in the country near Britton with two young children, Tietz often took drives through the countryside while her children napped in the car. Cemeteries offered a place to stop, stretch her legs and explore.
    “I was a mother with two young children living in the country with an itch for adventure and exploring,” she said.
    She began using Find a Grave, a website and app where volunteers document burial sites, photograph headstones, connect family members and share biographies. After starting a project to document every burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Aberdeen, Tietz began sharing her discoveries on her personal Facebook account. In 2020, she created the dedicated Graveyard Girl page.
    Her interest in cemeteries is a passion outside her career as a registered nurse. In a fitting coincidence, she typically works the graveyard shift.
    For local readers, one of her favorite places to explore is the Britton Cemetery, where she said historic and beautiful monuments offer plenty to discover.
    One monument that has stayed with her commemorates Rose Sayer and her two young children, Harold and Lillian. It also memorializes an uncle, Henry Otto, a cousin, Carl Romey, and even the family’s horse, “Old Kit.”
    Located on the west side of the cemetery’s older section, the large, diamond-shaped monument features carvings of Rose on one side and her children on the other. The stories behind the names are striking. The children died in a fire, Otto died in the Blizzard of 1888, and Romey died after falling from a horse.
    “The monument is loaded with interesting bits of history,” Tietz said.
    For her, these discoveries demonstrate how cemeteries can offer a personal connection to events and lives that might otherwise be forgotten.
    “Visiting burial sites is a less common way to experience history first-hand,” she said.
    Tietz looks for cemeteries she has never visited, especially those with old or unusual monuments. She also enjoys genealogy and visiting the graves of her own ancestors and those of her children. Sometimes a headstone leads to a story about a notable person. Other times, the most compelling discovery is an ordinary person whose life was anything but ordinary.
    Her research draws on resources such as Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org and Find a Grave, along with obituaries, newspaper articles, census records, military records and information shared by others. She has uncovered stories of people who died in the Children’s Blizzard of 1888, people connected to famous relatives and individuals whose lives hold unexpected details.
    “Sometimes writing a grave story comes with many hours of research to provide accurate details and to convey the story in a respectful manner,” she said. “I take pride in providing accurate history and details with the writings I share.”
    Her work also occasionally includes cleaning historic headstones. After watching other content creators restore monuments, Tietz saw an opportunity to give back and help preserve history. She has permission to clean historic monuments at Riverside Cemetery in Aberdeen and is particularly drawn to older headstones marking the graves of infants, children and veterans.
    She researches proper cleaning methods before beginning and obtains permission from a family or cemetery. Her supplies include D/2 Biological Solution, soft-bristled brushes, flexible plastic scrapers and Orvus paste soap. The treatment works over time to reduce biological growth such as lichen without relying on harsh scrubbing.
    Tietz hopes her work encourages others to explore the cemeteries in their own communities and take an interest in the stories around them. “I hope that my videos and photos will encourage people to get out and explore cemeteries and take a deeper interest in the history that is waiting to be uncovered in their own towns and surrounding areas,” she said. “I hope to destigmatize death and visiting cemeteries as they are a great source of local culture and history.”
    The Graveyard Girl community has grown to more than 15,000 Facebook followers from across the United States and other countries. Viewers share family connections, suggest future stories and provide information that helps Tietz uncover more details about the people she features. She has also enjoyed being recognized in public by people who follow her work.
    Although she typically explores cemeteries in northeastern South Dakota, her travels have taken her to Arlington Cemetery, Mexico, Canada, the Black Hills and Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia. One memorable trip brought her to Corbeil, Ontario, Canada, to visit the burial place of Emilie, one of the Dionne Quintuplets, whose story has fascinated Tietz for years.
    Finding new places to explore has become more challenging as she works through nearby cemeteries. She sometimes has to travel more than an hour in any direction to find a new one. Still, she hopes to visit more ancestral graves in small towns across the country, possibly travel to Norway and explore cemeteries in New Orleans and the northeastern United States.
    She also hopes to gain permission to clean monuments at additional cemeteries and continue helping preserve local history for future generations.
    Readers can follow Tietz’s cemetery explorations, historical stories and headstone cleaning projects on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. She is most active on Facebook at www.facebook.com/graveyardgirl1991.
 

]]> <![CDATA[MOM OF 3]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5614,mom-of-3 https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5614,mom-of-3 Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:21:00 -0500What’s it like being a mom of three so far? Well, it’s definitely more chaotic, but of course, it’s also more fun!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One thing I’ve noticed about myself is that I’m slowly giving What’s it like being a mom of three so far? Well, it’s definitely more chaotic, but of course, it’s also more fun!
    One thing I’ve noticed about myself is that I’m slowly giving the girls more freedom because I have my hands full. Normally, I wouldn’t let them run outside without me, but now, when they want to play, they ask and then take off for the swing set in the backyard while I hold their little brother from the porch.
    One thing I didn’t anticipate, though, was all the fighting! I thought they would be more needy for attention, but instead of jumping all over me, they’re jumping down each other’s throats!
    “Mom!!! Violet’s picking on me!!”
    “Mom!! Autumn kicked me in the head!”
    Lord, girls. It’s hard to break up a little kitten fight when you have an even smaller kitten in your arms.
    But aside from the new sister wars, things have been going pretty well with little man in the house. When people ask me how it’s going, the first thing that comes to mind is that it’s easier when you’ve already had two kids at once. Now, there’s a lot less to handle all at once. Of course, having a great partner to help is always a bonus!
    Mornings consist of running around like chickens with our heads cut off, but Chase and I work well together. While one of us is looking for socks, the other is brushing hair. While one gets the girls’ cereal, the other is feeding the baby. Just a simple glance between us, and we’re in go mode without even saying a word. It makes me feel like we’re superparents.
    As we get into the car, we kiss, high-five, and take a breath because we made it through the morning routine. Three kids in the car, everyone has shoes and has been fed, and we’re only ten minutes late. Momma can handle this!
    I do have to say, though, that I’m proud of myself. Going out and doing things with three kids isn’t an easy task, but I’ve learned that the more I do it, the easier it gets. I might be filled with anxiety from being in go mode all day, but we make it through, and the kids have fun along the way.

]]> <![CDATA[HALLOWEEN TRIVIA CHALLENGE]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5612,halloween-trivia-challenge https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5612,halloween-trivia-challenge Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:19:00 -0500&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;DON’T READ THE SECOND HALF OF THIS COLUMN! DON’T LET YOUR EYES WANDER DOWN THE PAGE!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I’m writing this because I don’t want you to see the answers to the triv      DON’T READ THE SECOND HALF OF THIS COLUMN! DON’T LET YOUR EYES WANDER DOWN THE PAGE!
    I’m writing this because I don’t want you to see the answers to the trivia questions I’m about to give you. I’m punting a bit with this week’s column, I admit. I’ve been a little busy planning three different trivia events in the span of two weeks, two sizable parties and about a million other little things. Still, I thought it would be fun to share some Halloween trivia with my fine readers.
    The questions below are the ones I used for trivia at the Lake City Municipal last year. See how many you can answer correctly! Just remember, don’t go sneaking a peek at the answers below.
    And don’t forget to join us at the Lake City Municipal again on Friday, Oct. 30, for another round of trivia. Be sure to wear your costume!
Trivia Questions

1. In Lakota, what does “Sica” translate as in Sica Hollow?

2. Also a popular 1980s metal band, what dungeon device kills victims by piercing them with sharp metal spikes?

3. In Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” what vampire-hunting professor was allegedly based on Teddy Roosevelt’s uncle?

4. What was the first successful candy bar sold by Franklin Mars? (Hint: It’s still a popular candy bar.)

5. What is the chemical symbol for the element that you can use to kill werewolves and vampires?

6. What are the first names of the three Sanderson sisters from “Hocus Pocus”?

7. Halloween originated from what ancient Celtic festival?

8. Which candy consistently tops sales charts as the most popular Halloween treat in America?

9. What was Dr. Frankenstein’s first name in Mary Shelley’s original book?

10. A direct sequel to the original “Halloween” was released in 2018. It was also called “Halloween.” What is the title of the sequel to that movie, released in 2021?

11. Which Halloween tradition was once used as a matchmaking game for predicting future love and marriage?

12. Name the haunted San Jose home that grew from eight rooms to 160 rooms while owned by an eccentric heiress. (A 2018 horror movie with the same name was based on it.)

Answers

1. Bad or evil
2. Iron Maiden
3. Van Helsing
4. Milky Way
5. Ag
6. Winifred, Mary and Sarah
7. Samhain
8. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
9. Victor
10. “Halloween Kills”
11. Bobbing for apples
12. Winchester Mystery House

]]> <![CDATA[LOCAL 4-HERS RECOGNIZED AT END OF YEAR EVENT]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5613,local-4-hers-recognized-at-end-of-year-event https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5613,local-4-hers-recognized-at-end-of-year-event Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:18:00 -0500Friends of 4-H, Alumni Honored
Baylee Bender (left) and Emily Effling received the Lorne Tilberg Memorial Award, with Effling also receiving the Outstanding 4-Her Award at the Marshall County 4-H Recognition Event.
Andrea Kilker was also recognized for her support of Marshall County 4-H as a Friend of 4-H.

    Marshall County 4-H members were recognized for their achievements, leadership, service and participation during the annual Marshall County 4-H Recognition Event this past weekend. Awards included honors for outstanding members and alumni, leadership, project accomplishments, club participation and years of service by volunteer leaders.
    Friends of 4-H Awards were presented to Andrea Kilker and Dr. Aaron Micko of Health First Chiropractic in recognition of their dedication to the Marshall County 4-H program and its mission of “Making the Best Better.”
    Ryan Patterson received the Outstanding Alumni Award, sponsored by the Marshall County 4-H Leaders Association. Patterson was an active 4-H member who earned project medals in 22 areas and top awards in special foods, judging, communications and horticulture. He was named Outstanding 4-Her in 1989 and continues to support the program as a parent, volunteer and leader. He helps prepare and take down equipment for Achievement Days and works with youth in the dog program alongside his wife.
    Emily Effling received the 2026 Outstanding 4-Her Award for her continued growth and commitment to the program. In her application, Effling credited 4-H with helping her develop public speaking, meeting leadership, recordkeeping and goal-setting skills. Her recommendation letter praised her respect, kindness, willingness to help others and development as a confident young leader.
    Maddie Biel of the Prairie Pasques club was recognized as a graduating 4-H member after nine years in the program.
    The Lorne Tilberg Memorial Award was presented to Baylee Bender and Emily Effling. The award recognizes members who demonstrate qualities including courtesy, cooperation, citizenship, trustworthiness and responsible actions, along with participation in county communications and Junior Leader activities.
    Kaylee Carlson and Lily Mundt received the Danforth “I Dare You!” Leadership Award, sponsored by Doug Card, editor and owner of The Marshall County Journal. First offered in 1941 by William H. Danforth, the award encourages young people to reach their potential and influence others through leadership and service.
    The Bee Lady’s Choice Award went to Baylee Bender.
    Several members received 2026 Accumulative Medals. Personal Development medals were awarded to Ruth Moeckly, Emmett Symens and Lily Mundt. Lily Mundt received the Agriculture medal, while the Consumer and Family Sciences medals went to Mundt and Baylee Bender.
    Club leaders were also recognized for their years of service. Barn Buddies leader Tammy Bender received a three-year certificate. Hillbillie Hustlers leader Kari Feldhaus received a 16-year certificate, and Prairie Pasques leader JaNann Jones received a 24-year certificate. Hills & Valley leaders Kimberly Biel and Jameson Biel each received 12-year certificates, while Judy Guy received a 26-year certificate. Hill Country Muskrats leaders Calee Hagen and Amanda Nordquist each received four-year certificates. Junior Leaders advisers Tawna Patterson and Ryan Patterson each received a five-year certificate and pin.

 Ryan Patterson received the Outstanding Alumni Award for his continued support of Marshall County 4-H as a parent, volunteer and leader.


YOUTH IN ACTION
    Communications: Participants included Rhyker Bender, Skylar Bender, Baylee Bender, Emily Effling and Kaylee Biel. Grand champions were Rhyker Bender in beginner communications, Skylar Bender in junior communications and Oliver Moeckly in senior public presentations. Emily Effling was reserve champion in senior communications.
    Special Foods: Gianna Nordquist was grand champion in the beginner division, and Olivia Effling was grand champion in the junior division.
    Fashion Revue: In the beginner selected outfit division, Rhyker Bender was grand champion and Elise Biel was reserve champion. In the junior selected outfit division, Skylar Bender was grand champion and Jasmine Biel was reserve champion. In the senior selected outfit division, Ruth Moeckly was grand champion and Baylee Bender was reserve champion. Ruth Moeckly and Skylar Bender received recognition in the constructed outfit division. Other selected outfit participants included Elise Biel, Rhyker Bender, Aleece Patterson, Izabella Stiegelmeier, Jasmine Biel, Sophie Patterson and Kaylee Biel.
    Other Youth in Action Participants: Marshall County 4-H members participated in a variety of Youth in Action events. Shooting Sports participants included Gage Beck, Tinley Beck, Baylee Bender, Skylar Bender, Colton Biel, Kaylee Biel, Jasmine Biel, Maddie Biel, Treyton Biel, Rylan Carlson, Kaylee Carlson, Rylee Carlson, Paxtyn Cole, Olivia Effling, Briggs Hagen, Tripp Hagen, Lily Mundt, Ella Mundt, Jacey Melroe and Jaxen Melroe. Fashion Revue participants included Baylee Bender, Skylar Bender, Rhyker Bender, Kaylee Biel, Jasmine Biel, Elise Biel, Ruth Moeckly, Aleece Patterson and Sophie Patterson. Communications participants included Baylee Bender, Skylar Bender, Rhyker Bender, Emily Effling and Ruthie Moeckly. Consumer Decision Making/FCS participants included Baylee Bender, Skylar Bender, Rhyker Bender, Kaylee Biel, Jasmine Biel, Elise Biel, Emily Effling, Olivia Effling, Cheyenne Braaten, Kade Braaten and Aleece Patterson. Special Foods participants included Gianna Nordquist, Olivia Effling, Jaxen Melroe and Aleece Patterson. Rodeo participants included Rylan Carlson, Kaylee Carlson, Rylee Carlson, Lily Mundt and Ella Mundt.
    State and National Recognition: Trey Biel was named to the 2026 National Compound Archery Team, and Baylee Bender was selected as a State 4-H Ambassador.
    Consumer Decision Making Contest: Participants included Baylee Bender, Skylar Bender, Rhyker Bender, Emily Effling, Olivia Effling, Jacey Melroe, Cheyenne Braaten, Cade Braaten and Aleece Patterson.


PROJECT MEDALS: 
    Barn Buddies: Skylar Bender, Home Environment, Citizenship, Hobbies & Collections, Foods & Nutrition; Rylan Carlson, Beef, Aerospace & Rocketry; Jacey Melroe, Shooting Sports, Citizenship, Foods & Nutrition; Baylee Bender, Foods & Nutrition, Home Environment; Kaylee Carlson, Computer, Beef, Dog, Poultry; Emily Effling, Goats, Home Environment, Music & Dance; Olivia Effling, Dog, Music & Dance, First Aid; Ella Mundt, Hobbies & Collections, Home Environment, Horse, Rodeo, Shooting Sports, Visual Arts; Lily Mundt, Clothing, Photography.
    Hills & Valley: Elise Biel, Visual Arts; Kaylee Biel, Horse.
    Prairie Pasques: Ruth Moeckly, Community Service; Aleece Patterson, Foods & Nutrition.
    Hill Country Muskrats: Hollis Cameron, Hobbies & Collections; Emma Ceroll, Sheep; Izabell Ceroll, Sheep; Tripp Hagen, Hobbies & Collections; Tru Hagen, Beef; Tuf Hagen, Beef; Gianna Nordquist, Foods & Nutrition.
    4-H CloverBuds: Wyatt Hagen, Otto Ceroll, Claire Nordquist and Lucy Nordquist participated in Achievement Days.
 

]]> <![CDATA[LA INTERPERS ADVANCE FROM LOCAL CONTEST]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5611,la-interpers-advance-from-local-contest https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5611,la-interpers-advance-from-local-contest Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:15:00 -0500Ten Langford Area students qualified for the District Oral Interpretation Contest, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the armory in Watertown, following the school’s local contest Monday evening.A to Ten Langford Area students qualified for the District Oral Interpretation Contest, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the armory in Watertown, following the school’s local contest Monday evening.

A total of 19 students in grades 6 through 12 participated in the local contest, showcasing their hard work, talent and creativity.

Advancing students will compete in the following categories: Josie VanderVorst in oratory; Daniel Jesz in storytelling; Justysze Konkler in serious; Maddie Knebel in poetry; Josie Jensen in humorous; Josie VanderVorst and Jonah VanderVorst in duet; and Ryker Bruns, Emma Christensen, Bailey Dwight, Josie Jensen and Lillian Olson in readers theater.

Other students who participated in the local contest were Ethan Jesz, Carter Glines, Eli Samson, Remi Bruns, Josie Hupke, Jasmine Baule Toledo, Raegan Horter, Hannah Knebel and Naomi Holler.

The first picture is all 19 students who participated. From left to right starting in the back row: Ethan Jesz, Ryker Bruns, Carter Glines, Eli Samson, Bailey Dwight, Josie Jensen, Josie VanderVorst, Jonah VanderVorst. Middle row: Danie Jesz, Justysze Konkler, Remi Bruns, Josie Hupke, Emma Christensen, Maddie Knebel, and Lillian Olson. Front row: Jasmine Baule Toledo, Raegan Horter, Hannah Knebel, and Naomi Holler
]]> <![CDATA[B-H, LA BOARDS ARE GOLD]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5610,b-h-la-boards-are-gold https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5610,b-h-la-boards-are-gold Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:04:00 -0500Both Boards Receive Gold Level Awards     The Britton-Hecla and Langford Area school district boards of education have each earned Gold Level awards from the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD) for their work during the 2025-26 school year.
    The awards recognize the boards’ participation in ASBSD’s ALL program, which stands for Act, Learn, Lead. The program honors school boards that work to expand their knowledge and leadership skills to better serve students and their communities.
    Boards accumulate points throughout the school year by participating in ASBSD activities and training opportunities and demonstrating leadership at the local, state and national levels. Both the Britton-Hecla and Langford Area boards earned at least 500 points to qualify for Gold Level recognition.
    “Britton-Hecla School District School Board members put forth excellent effort in the 2025-26 school year for their local district and to earn the statewide recognition of the Gold level ALL award,” ASBSD Executive Director Heath Larson said. He offered the same recognition to the Langford Area School District board.
    Langford Area Superintendent Shad Storley said the board’s participation in educational opportunities sets an example for others in the district.
    “I feel that the school board is leading by example when they are willing to participate in educational opportunities. They wouldn’t have to, but if they want teachers to grow, by taking part in trainings by the ASBSD, they are taking their roles seriously and growing as a school board,” Storley said.
    Britton-Hecla Superintendent Steve Benson said the award reflects the board’s effort to better understand the district’s needs and the future of education.
    “Receiving the Gold Level award is a strong indicator that the BH board is taking the time and effort to understand the needs of our district, the challenges that we face as school and community partner and working to gain a greater understanding of where education is and where it is trending in the future,” Benson said. “That is exactly the type of commitment that you want from a board when it comes to serving the students, staff, and the community that they represent.”
    Larson said the boards’ commitment to enhancing their knowledge of their responsibilities benefits students, staff and their communities.
    The awards were presented during the 10th year of the ALL program, which recognized a record 92 public school boards across South Dakota.
 

]]> <![CDATA[B-H TAKES SECOND AT NEC INTERP CONTEST]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5609,b-h-takes-second-at-nec-interp-contest https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5609,b-h-takes-second-at-nec-interp-contest Wed, 28 Oct 2026 09:53:00 -0500Local Contest Monday, Public Welcome     The Britton-Hecla varsity oral interpretation team placed second at the North East Conference meet held Monday in Webster.  Deuel won the eight school tournament by four points.  Senior Emily Effling added to her ECC championship with a first in poetry at the NEC.  Junior Baylee Bender came through with first in oratory at both conference tournaments.  The third NEC champ was senior Carter Chapin in storytelling.  Sophomore Caitlyn Casey won the second-place medal in serious reading, and Chapin teamed up with junior Amelia Ingvalson to get the third-place medal in duo.  In other results tenth grader Charles Schuller was fourth in humorous reading, and the reader’s theatre comprised of junior Aiden Strong, Ingvalson, and Chapin placed fourth.  
    The NEC also runs a junior varsity section at the tournament with the Braves having a fantastic showing, winning six of the seven categories.  This includes Strong and junior Noah Schuster in duo, eighth grader Adalyn Kanizar in storytelling, freshmen Avery Leonard and Lillian Boyko, and junior Ruthie Moeckly in reader’s theatre, Ingvalson in poetry, and Schuster in serious reading.  Boyko placed second in humorous reading. 
    The team invites the public to attend their local contest Monday, Nov.  2 at 6:00 in the band and choir rooms at the high school.  In addition to the above students presenting their selections, there will be performances by junior Ryer Larson, freshman Brooklyn Hunt, eighth graders Luzetta Moeckly, Cecily Tobin, and Annalie Satterlee, and seventh graders Parker Hunt and Tinley Beck.  One winner from each category will be chosen to represent the school at the Regional contest Nov.  17 in Aberdeen.  

Other NEC participants include Avery Leonard, Adalyan Kanizar, Amelia Ingvalson, Noah Schuster, Ruthie Moeckly, Wyatt Strong and Lillian Boyko.
]]> <![CDATA[BRAVES TO HOST SECOND PLAYOFF GAME]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5608,braves-to-host-second-playoff-game https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5608,braves-to-host-second-playoff-game Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:46:00 -0500Rein Has Hand In Five Scores In Opening Win     The Britton-Hecla football team got the playoff monkey off its back on Thursday, ending a six-game losing streak in the first round of the Class 9AA playoffs by stopping Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan 34-14.
    The fourth-seeded Braves will be seeking to keep that momentum going when Sioux Falls Lutheran comes to town this Thursday for a 7 p.m. matchup.  The 12th-seeded Eagles (4-5) upset fifth seed Waubay-Summit 34-16 in first round play.
    “Sioux Falls Lutheran presents a different challenge than we are used to,” said B-H coach Jacob Skogstad.  “They have a lot of really good playmakers and a good quarterback.  They love to spread it out and get short completions to their guys in space.  We know that they are going to complete passes, but we need to tackle really well in the open field and make them go 70 yards in 15 plays rather than in two to three big chunks.  I expect our lines to be a difference-maker.  I think we can lean on them both offensively and defensively to make plays for us.  It should be a really fun high school football game.”
    Skogstad was pleased with what he saw from his club in the playoff opener.
    “I thought we came out and really executed well early in the game.  Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan did a nice job mixing run and pass to move the chains and keep it close.  We knew they would have a solid game plan and I’m proud of the way our boys responded in the second half to close the game out.”
    At halftime it was still anybody’s game with the Braves holding a 12-8 advantage.  Once again Skogstad’s crew shot out of the starting blocks.  Ben Suther cranked off a 24-yard gain on first down and four plays later Jace Rein, who had a hand in all five of the Braves touchdowns, found paydirt from the 13 for a 6-0 B-H lead when the PAT kick hit the upright.
    Suther pounced on a fourth down fumble to put his team back in business and on first down he grabbed a quick out pass and scampered 59 yards for a touchdown.  This time the PAT boot was blocked and B-H led 12-0 with 8:23 still remaining in the opening period.
    Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan was able to steady the ship on its next possession, driving 71 yards to the Braves nine yard line.  But defensive end Chaz Vietor ended the threat when he snatched a pass attempt.  Then the visitors forced a three-and-out and responded with a 36-yard scoring run with 40 seconds left in the opening period and ran the conversion to cut the margin to 12-8.
     The Braves nearly duplicated B-EE’s long first quarter drive with one of its own to open the second quarter.  But after using up 9:09 of the quarter, picking up five first downs and having a first down on the Seahawks’ 14, B-H came up empty on a fourth and two from the seven and went into the locker room at halftime with a 12-8 lead.
    Britton-Hecla dominated the second half.  After forcing a three-and-out the Braves used up another 5:38 on the clock and this time Rein found Mitchell Burger with a 23-yard scoring toss on a fourth and four and Lofton Heer booted the point for a 20-8 lead.
    Suther forced another turnover when he intercepted a pass just before the end of the third stanza and four plays later Rein scampered 41 yards for a touchdown and Heer kicked the point.  With 10:33 left in the game the Braves were in control 27-8.
    But the Seahawks wouldn’t go away, completing a 35-yard pass to the B-H 24 and then hitting another for a quick score to get back in the game 27-14 with 9:45 to play.  The Braves recovered an onside kick and converted a couple of third downs on an eight-play drive that ended with a Rein five-yard TD run with 6:05 remaining to shut the door on the Seahawks.
    The Braves piled up 211 yards rushing and 151 passing to win the total yardage battle 362-234.  Rein had a monster game with 108 yards rushing on 15 tries, hitting 10-14 passes for 151, and scoring three touchdowns on the ground and passing for two more.  Suther added 91 yards rushing on 21 attempts and led receivers with three grabs for 56 yards.  Colton Chapin led the defensive effort with 12 tackles and Suther had 5.5 stops.
 

]]> <![CDATA[WINNER ENDS TIGERS SEASON]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5607,winner-ends-tigers-season https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5607,winner-ends-tigers-season Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:44:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Winner used a solid ground game to score three times and shut out Groton Area 20-0 in the first round of the Class 11B football playoffs in Winner on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp     Winner used a solid ground game to score three times and shut out Groton Area 20-0 in the first round of the Class 11B football playoffs in Winner on Thursday.
    The Warriors, now 8-1 and seeded fourth, will host fifth-seeded Deuel (7-2) on Thursday.  Groton Area finished with a 4-5 season mark.
    Winner scored once in each of the first three periods on short runs of six, two, and three yards.  The Warriors ran the ball 43 times for 200 yards and passed just twice with one completion for 15 yards.
    “We knew what type of game it was going to be against Winner from the moment we drew them as a playoff matchup – hard-nosed downhill football,” said GA coach Jordan Carson.  “We were able to move the ball here and there on them but struggled to get the big play to push us over the hump.  On defense we played pretty well but it was kind of the same story to a certain degree.  We got into a few favorable situations but then they were able to make a play to keep a sustained drive going.  Our guys played hard all the way down the stretch and I’m proud of the way they kept playing hard all the way through the last whistle.”
    Carson was pleased with the progress his young club showed throughout the season.
    “We started the year with a lot of young players and even more first-time varsity players.  With our schedule we definitely had to do a lot of growing up throughout the year and that showed up in our last few games.  Coaches always talk about trying to play your best ball at the end of the year, and I can positively say that was the case for us down the stretch.  I thought that we got a lot better as the year went on, but we are far from our ceiling with this group.  There is a lot of room for growth and I hope we can use a lot of the learning from this year to boost us into next year and years to come.”
    The Tigers had 92 yards rushing on 29 tries and passed for 68 as Winner won the total yardage battle 215-160.  Asher Johnson led the way with 55 yards rushing and hit 9-19 passes.  Anthony Tracy was his favorite receiver, catching three balls for 21 yards.
    Johnson also led the defensive effort with nine tackles and TC Schuster and Jordan Schwan had eight stops apiece.     
 

]]> <![CDATA[TWO B-H CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS IN STATE MEET]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5606,two-b-h-cross-country-runners-in-state-meet https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5606,two-b-h-cross-country-runners-in-state-meet Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:41:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Two Britton-Hecla cross country runners competed in the Class A state cross country meet held in Rapid City on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The top 20 runners in each regio     Two Britton-Hecla cross country runners competed in the Class A state cross country meet held in Rapid City on Saturday.
    The top 20 runners in each region across the state advanced to the state event held at the Hart Ranch Camping Resort.
    Sophomore Livia Knecht placed 102nd in the 122-runner field in the girls division with a clocking of 22:22.1 over the 5,000-meter course, while sophomore Joseph O’Brien was 114th among 130 runners in the boys bracket.
    “The state meet was a great way to end the season,” said B-H coach Stephanie Symens.  “Joseph and Livia worked hard this year to make it to Rapid City, and I have no doubt that they will get this opportunity again.  I am also very proud of the cross country team this year.  All the way from our sixth graders to our older athletes, they have all improved this season.”
    The top two teams in each region, along with any squad qualifying four runners for the state meet, were eligible for the team competition.  Sioux Falls Christian won both the boys and girls team crowns.
    The SFC boys scored 24 points, Custer was second at 49, Vermillion 71, Cheyenne-Eagle Butte 93, Lennox 119, Belle Fourche 133, Deuel 133, Flandreau 144, Elk Point-Jefferson 145, Chamberlain 155, West Central 161, Hill City 161, Sisseton 185, Platte-Geddes 226, and Aberdeen Roncalli 236.
    In the girls division SFC led the way with 22, followed by West Central 61, Belle Fourche 80, Aberdeen Roncalli 87, Chamberlain 108, Lennox 114, Milbank 122, Sioux Valley 130, Hill City 140, Platte-Geddes 149, Dakota Valley 149, Beresford 150, Custer 177, and Mt. Vernon-Plankinton 286.
 

]]> <![CDATA[LADY LIONS TO HOST REGION 1B OPENER]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5605,lady-lions-to-host-region-1b-opener https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5605,lady-lions-to-host-region-1b-opener Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:38:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Langford Area volleyball squad played Warner last night Tuesday in its final regular season match and will kick off Region 1B tournament play this Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp     The Langford Area volleyball squad played Warner last night Tuesday in its final regular season match and will kick off Region 1B tournament play this Tuesday.
    The Lady Lions took a 15-12 record into the season finale and will likely host Hitchcock-Tulare (15-14) in quarterfinal play in the regional based on power point rankings prior to final matches last night Tuesday.
    LA will be hoping to avenge a tough regular season loss to HItchcocl-Tulare.  The  Lady Lions won the first two sets in that matchup 25-17, 25-21, but H-T battled back to win in five sets 25-22, 25-20, 15-9.
    Region 1B action begins on Monday and based on power point ratings through last Monday’s matches #8 Tiospa Zina (8-19) will host #9 Leola-Frederick (4-15) and #7 Waverly-South Shore (11-16) will host #10 Wilmot (5-15) in play-in contests.
    In other quarterfinal matchups on Tuesday #1 Warner (29-3) will host the TZ-LF winner, #2 Northwestern (29-5) will host the WSS-Wilmot winner, and #3 Aberdeen Christian (20-9) will host #6 Waubay-Summit (9-14).  
    The top seeds will host each of the semifinal matches next week Thursday with the winners advancing to the SoDak 16 scheduled for Nov. 10 to determine the eight state tournament qualifiers.  
    In action last week Tuesday Coach Susan Larson’s squad stopped Webster Area in four sets 25-23, 25-20, 15-25, 25-21.
    “This was a really nice win for us,” said Larson.  “We were missing Brooklynn (West) who went to FFA Nationals, so we were running a new offense /serve receive and I thought we did great.  Bailey (Dwight) ran the offense solo and did a remarkable job.  Sometimes I forget she’s a freshman.  She’s done an incredible job all season.
    “Emily (Olson) started the night with a couple errors but quickly bounced back and had a really great night.  It’s not always easy to turn things around.  Lizzie (Gustafson) also had an all-around good night offensively and defensively.  I was really proud of the girls for fighting back that fourth set to get the win.”
    The match was also the team’s Dig Pink Night.
    “Holly Glodrey did a fantastic job setting up our fundraiser,” noted Larson.  “We are grateful for all the people who donated silent auction baskets, bought T-shirts, and gave so generously.  It was a successful night on the court and as a collective community.”

    

]]> <![CDATA[B-H NETTERS SET FOR REGION]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5604,b-h-netters-set-for-region https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5604,b-h-netters-set-for-region Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:35:00 -0500Split Two Matches In Past Week     Britton-Hecla’s volleyball squad wrapped up regular season play against Wilmot last night Tuesday and will likely meet Redfield in the first round of the Region 1A tournament this coming Tuesday in Groton.
    If the Lady Braves defeat Wilmot they will complete an unbeaten season in the Eastern Coteau Conference and claim the league title.
    Prior to the completion of regular season play last night Tuesday Aberdeen Roncalli (20-5) appears to have a solid lock on the number one seed and will receive a first round bye in regional play.  The three first round matches will be played at the number two seed, which looks to be Groton Area, on Tuesday with semifinals to be played on Thursday, Nov. 5, at Roncalli.
    The two semifinal winners will advance to the SoDak 16 set for Nov. 10 to determine state tournament qualifiers.
    Based on power points prior to the final regular season contests second seed Groton Area (17-13) will play seven seed Sisseton (4-19), number three Britton-Hecla (15-6) will meet number seven Redfield (5-19), and four seed Webster Area (12-10) will tangle with fifth seed Milbank (9-15).  If the Lady Braves win the opener they would meet the Groton Area-Sisseton winner in semifinal action and Roncalli will take on the Webster Area-Milbank victor.
    B-H swept Redfield in regular season play 25-19, 25-16, 25-21, defeated Sisseton 25-16, 25-19, 25-10, and dropped a hard-fought match to Groton Area 24-26, 25-21, 25-18, 25-20. 
    The Lady Braves split a pair of matches in the past week, rebounding from an opening set loss to Great Plains Lutheran to win in four last week Tuesday, and being swept by Clark-Willow Lake on Thursday.
    “GPL was a good win,” noted B-H coach Jenna Peters.  “They are always a well-coached team that has a decent defense.  Our first set against Clark-Willow Lake was good, but ultimately, they have too strong of hitters with three girls over six feet.”
BH 18-25-25-25
GPL 25-19-19-19
    Great Plains Lutheran went on a 12-4 run to take the first set but the Lady Braves bounced back with 25-19 wins in three straight sets to get the victory.
    The first set featured 11 ties and four lead changes on the way to a 14-14 tie, before GPL took charge.  In set two B-H jumped out to a 13-4 lead behind three Chellon Pruitt kills and a pair of Jaelee Grupe aces, but the Panthers battled back to cut the deficit to 19-18.  Tiana Tank pounded a kill and Brynlee Schmieg served an ace to key a 6-1 run to put the set away.
    Set three was tied 12-all but Maddi Micko came up with a pair of kills and Grupe had a block to spark a 6-1 run for an 18-12 lead and GPL never got closer than four points the rest of the way.  Daynika Zuehlke got hot at the net in the final set with five kills and Micko added four and Grupe had two aces as the Lady Braves erased an 8-6 deficit and were not seriously threatened down the stretch.

CWL 25-25-25
BH 23-14-14
    The Lady Braves gave once-beaten Clark-Willow Lake all it could handle in the opening set but the Cyclones controlled things the rest of the way to earn the sweep.
    Chellon Pruitt had three aces, Jaelee Grupe seven kills, and Brynlee Schmieg 11 digs to lead the local netters.
 

]]> <![CDATA[MY SWEET LITTLE 5-YEAR-OLD]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5603,my-sweet-little-5-year-old https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5603,my-sweet-little-5-year-old Wed, 21 Oct 2026 10:43:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I was preparing to write this column and gush about the youngest member of my family. Zephie Ann turned 5 years old this week, and in my mind, I was already composing a tribute     I was preparing to write this column and gush about the youngest member of my family. Zephie Ann turned 5 years old this week, and in my mind, I was already composing a tribute to how sweet, cute and wonderful she is.
    Now that I’m actually writing it, she’s screaming in the other room after her dad banned her from the hot tub for the rest of the week for kicking her brother in the face.
    What a sweetheart!
    While all of the above is true, I suppose I should still wax poetic a little about my baby girl. There are a few bumps in the road, like tonight, but generally speaking, she’s a pretty nice kid. And on her birthday, Mom needs to give her a shoutout. So let me share a few fun things about my little angel, who has now moved on to lying on the stairs and delivering an Academy Award-worthy performance of her misery.
    One thing that has really taken off in the last year is her love for animals and creepy crawlies. She likes kitties and puppies, of course, but she’s equally happy to find a spider and bring it to me. She regularly tries to collect ants to bring inside the house and keep in a jar as pets.
    Recently, we found a toad around the house, and she instantly befriended it. Before long, it was enjoying a dip in the swimming pool, also known as my bathroom sink. Then she introduced it to me while it was wearing a Barbie skirt she had put on it. I think I eventually convinced her to let it go, although I’m not sure what happened to it after all that excitement.
    Last week, we stumbled upon a baby snake during a walk. She refused to move on until she got to pick it up and pet it. I’m a little concerned about what she might start bringing into the house when she gets older, faster and even more confident in her wildlife-handling abilities.
    Her performance gene is also going strong, which she undoubtedly inherited from my side of the family. We still enjoy amateur karaoke sessions with the family, and Zephie can often be found on the steps in our sunroom, using them as her personal stage. She asks Alexa to play her favorite song and sings at the top of her lungs. She generally kicks me out so she can perform a solo and, for whatever reason, doesn’t usually want an audience.
    She’s creative, too. She takes songs she learns at daycare and makes up her own versions, often managing to rhyme the lyrics. I’m seeing an award-winning singer-songwriter in our future. She’s also artistic and loves to color. Honestly, she can already color better than I can.
    She’s a force to be reckoned with physically, too. She rides her scooter at Mach 10 and loves showing me how she can do it without using her hands. When we took the training wheels off her bike, she seemed to figure it out almost immediately. And when she thinks I’m not watching, she’ll do pull-ups on my treadmill. If I catch her, she’s quick to come up with an implausible excuse.
    We got her a gymnastics bar for her birthday, so hopefully she’ll leave my treadmill alone for a while.
    As I wrap up, I have to share a funny anecdote I already posted on Facebook but that deserves a repeat appearance here.
    Tom and I are apparently setting the bar a little too high when it comes to our children’s expectations of how exciting everyday life should be.
    One night at bedtime recently, Zephie announced in an annoyed voice, “Today was the worst! We didn’t go in the hot tub, go to a parade or fireworks or ANYTHING!” Yeah, kid, it was Tuesday. Give us a break.
    Not everyday is a celebration, but with Zephie, everyday is an adventure. 
    Happy birthday, Zeph. We love you tons, even if you occasionally kick your brother in the face.
 

]]> <![CDATA[DISTRICT 1 HOUSE CANDIDATES ANSWER QUESTIONS]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5602,district-1-house-candidates-answer-questions https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5602,district-1-house-candidates-answer-questions Wed, 21 Oct 2026 10:13:00 -0500General Election on Nov. 3     Voters in District 1 will elect two representatives to the South Dakota House of Representatives during the Tuesday, Nov. 3 general election. District 1 includes Marshall, Day and parts of Roberts and Brown counties. Voters may select up to two candidates in the race.
    Candidates include incumbent Republican Nick Fosness of Britton, Republican Danny Kjos of Roslyn and Democrat Courtney Enfield of Britton. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with early and absentee voting already underway.
    To help voters learn more about the candidates and their priorities, the Journal invited each candidate to complete a questionnaire. Their responses follow.

Background  Information 
    Courtney Enfield: I am a fourth-generation South Dakotan. I come from the Barse family of Waubay and Sisseton. I am a decorated combat veteran (OEF), stationed on the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) from 2011-2015 in Nuclear Supply and Supply Quality Assurance. I have been a teacher in the district at Enemy Swim Day School. I have years of varied community service and positions of service both within and outside of government. I value my heritage as an enrolled member of the Muckleshoot Tribe, and my grandmother is enrolled in Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. I have a BA in Tribal Governance and Business Management from NWIC and many other certifications in my educational background
    Nick Fosness: Jenny and I have been married for 29 years. We have four children and one grandchild. Jenny and I grew up in Tripp, SD, both attended school in Aberdeen, and have lived in Britton for more than 14 years. I’ve been involved in many local projects in town, and we are very proud to call Britton home.
    Danny Kjos: My name is Danny Kjos, married to Roxie for 42 years. I am an active member of Fron Lutheran Church. We have three daughters: Shauna and husband Jamie Miotke — they own Fiksdal Funeral Service in Webster; Codi and husband Nick Lesnar — Codi is a dental hygienist, and they farm south of Webster; and Stephanie and husband Vinson Dargatz — Steph is a CNP at Avera Waubay. We are blessed with 10 beautiful grandchildren. I am the owner of Twin Valley Tire/Community Oil Co. in Webster. I have been a small business owner for 28 years. I am currently serving as the vice chair on the Day County Commission board. I also have served on Day County Development, the Day County Foundation board, museum board, Fron Church Council and cemetery board, Strand Kjorsvig board as well as its foundation board.


What is your reason for running for the State House, and what qualifications do you bring to the role?
    Enfield: While working at Roots Taphouse in Webster, SD, I made connections with elders that led to my being formally asked if I would run for the State House. I accepted and stand on the integrity of this request. I have worked very hard traveling the district, participating in events, engaging with voters and hearing from them. I am an extensive researcher, and my background is in logistics, the military, intergovernmental communications (tribal) and historical preservation. But my heart for justice and advocacy is at the core of my interests in serving the people of this district.
    Fosness: I bring a balanced perspective to Pierre that I think is necessary to support the rural lifestyle in northeast South Dakota. I am pro economic development and am also pro existing development. It’s OK to be a Republican and also support keeping our nursing homes open, as well as funding our schools. We need balance of representation.
    Kjos: I feel we need a common-sense approach to the issues we are facing in District 1. My four years on the county commission will help with working a budget and how to spend our dollars wisely. Also, I will advocate for rural EMS and fire departments.

What do you see as the most pressing issue facing District 1 or South Dakota as a whole, and how would you address it?
    Enfield: Undoubtedly, corruption. We have to start calling it what it is and working to undo what isn’t working anymore. Accountability, integrity and open government. I have been to local government meetings, energy and data center meetings within the district. People are concerned, confused and deserve better.
    Fosness: Rural housing that is affordable is a high priority. I supported a bill this year that included Rural Housing Infrastructure Funds, still unspent federal dollars from COVID, to be used for a down payment assistance program in a manufactured home. This would give buyers an opportunity to afford home ownership. Unfortunately, it needed a two thirds majority to pass and didn’t receive it. Why? It’s HB1113. I encourage you to read this bill and see who voted for, and unfortunately against, it. I believe we have a great chance at passing this bill in the next session.
    Kjos: Funding for rural healthcare, including ambulances and Medicaid for our nursing homes, all need to be addressed. Recruiting and retaining healthcare workers so we don’t have to be dependent on temp services.


What is another key priority you would focus on if elected, and what specific actions would you take?
    Enfield: Water. Water has been an ongoing issue throughout the district, despite years of advocacy. Voices have been silenced, and now we are facing the pre-existing issues with a full-on crisis. That is what it is. Specifically, pausing any existing plans for the sale of our water and studying what (if any) impact the zebra mussels have had on our municipal water systems, especially in certain areas of the district. Then, we’ll have to plan restoratively and proactively for protecting this most precious resource.
    Fosness: Our schools and main streets are the heartbeats of our communities. Agriculture drives the economic engine in South Dakota. I support bills that continue to fund public education, while also encouraging growth of businesses, healthcare and agriculture. With 550 bills last year, it’s hard to say one priority is the focus. We need a balanced approach that requires facts and logic to support our existence in rural South Dakota.
    Kjos: Economic development is something I have always been passionate about. We have limited resources to fund our counties and towns. If we can bring reasonable development to our area, it will help everyone.

How do you approach working with others who may have different viewpoints, both within your party and across the aisle?
    Enfield: I think balancing this cycle is going to be critical. We have seen a need for change, and I do believe now is the time here in South Dakota. Within the SDDP, I attended the delegation, and the proposed solutions for the many issues facing South Dakotans have always been sound. There’s plenty that can be done conservatively and across the aisle, so long as legislators seek solutions for people (not profit).
    Fosness: I get along great with the five Democrats in the House. We are friends. The 65 Republicans in the House have an inter party divide and it’s well known. I approach every issue by listening to both sides, asking questions, and voting with facts and logic for what is best for our district. At times this means respectfully disagreeing within and outside the party.
    Kjos: I enjoy working and interacting with people. If we disagree on an issue, let’s have a conversation so I can hear the other point of view. Sometimes other points open eyes to other ways of viewing an issue or topic. At the end of the day, the goal is to remain friends and continue dialogue. But if we can’t agree, that’s OK too!

Why should voters choose you?
    Enfield: I am the only candidate not tied to PAC money for utility interests and data centers. Values drive me: integrity, faith, service. To be the voice of the body, to demand the rights and resources of District One voters, not the interests of the wealthy few. I have attended these meetings, have seen what’s coming, and I will fight for you!
    Fosness: I ask for your vote for myself and Danny Kjos to continue representing our rural way of life. I have a balance of business experience, healthcare and education knowledge, 30 years of being a registered Republican, and yet I do not draw political lines when making a vote for what is best for us. Danny also brings business and county commission experience. We bring middle of the district representation to Pierre, and I ask for your vote for both of us.
    Kjos: I am a very even-keel, common-sense kind of guy. I feel my business background and commissioner experience will benefit my work at Pierre if elected. A moral compass guides my decisions, right vs. wrong.
 

]]> <![CDATA[LA BOARD: STORLEY RESIGNS AS SUPT.]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5601,la-board-storley-resigns-as-supt https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5601,la-board-storley-resigns-as-supt Tue, 20 Oct 2026 19:36:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Langford Area Board of Education accepted the resignation of Superintendent Shad Storley during its meeting last Thursday, following an executive session. Storley will wrap     The Langford Area Board of Education accepted the resignation of Superintendent Shad Storley during its meeting last Thursday, following an executive session. Storley will wrap up his tenure at the end of this school year. 
    Storley has been with the district since 2023 and previously served as an administrator in several South Dakota school districts. The board also accepted a proposal from Dakota Education Consulting (DEC), a South Dakota-based firm that assists K-12 school boards with administrative searches, including superintendent recruitment. The position is expected to be advertised soon.
    The meeting also included a legislative update from District 1 Sen. Mike Rohl, District 1 Rep. Nick Fosness and District 1 representative candidate Dan Kjos. Discussion covered projected public school funding, property taxes and state testing.
    In other business, the board discussed a $600 donation to the district’s food service program earmarked for its farm-to-table program. Members also approved declaring bus No. 8 surplus property, with plans to advertise it for sale.
    The board approved a contribution to school attorney Rodney Freeman to attend the National Education Law Meeting and appointed Jenn Gustafson as the district’s delegate to the delegate assembly.
    The board also discussed property acquisition. The district recently purchased a house next to the school for $42,900 and is advertising the house to be moved. The goal is to use the property for district purposes. The board tabled discussion of its five-year capital outlay project list.
    Principal Abby Kwasniewski reported on student eligibility and said students have done a good job adjusting to changes in the grading scale. She also discussed truancy, senior privileges and students’ participation in the National FFA Convention.
    Storley provided an update on school transportation, noting the district is still looking for a driver with a bus endorsement to operate a regular bus route. He also raised concerns about planning for next school year if a current driver does not return.
    Parent-teacher conferences were scheduled for the week of the meeting. The board also discussed improvements in the main gym, including work on the basketball hoop motor and options for providing access to the stage. The district is looking into installing a lift rather than a ramp.
    The next Langford Area Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Nov. 9 at 7 a.m.
 

]]> <![CDATA[B-H THREE-PEATS AS ECC INTERP CHAMPS]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5600,b-h-three-peats-as-ecc-interp-champs https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5600,b-h-three-peats-as-ecc-interp-champs Tue, 20 Oct 2026 19:32:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For the third year in a row, the Britton-Hecla oral interpretation team came home from the Eastern Coteau Conference meet Friday as champions. &nbsp;Points for the team traveli     For the third year in a row, the Britton-Hecla oral interpretation team came home from the Eastern Coteau Conference meet Friday as champions.  Points for the team traveling trophy were awarded for the top placers in each category.  Of the seven categories, BHHS had winners in three.  Carter Chapin and Amelia Ingvalson won duo, Emily Effling was first in poetry, and Baylee Bender earned top honors in oratory.  Chapin and Ingvalson teamed up with Aiden Strong for a second place medal in reader’s theatre.  Chapin and Ingvalson came home with three medals each as they also placed second in storytelling and poetry respectively.  Ruthie Moeckly claimed second in oratory, and Caitlyn Casey earned second in serious reading.  
    Other placers included Adalyn Kanizar third in storytelling, Noah Schuster third in serious reading, Charles Schuller third in humorous reading, and the reader’s theatre group of Lillian Boyko, Moeckly, and Avery Leonard also earned third.  Boyko came in sixth for humorous.  
    The team turned around Saturday to attend the Hamlin Invitational Meet and also had a great showing there.  No team placings were awarded there but eleven performances came home with top superior plus ratings:  Chapin and Ingvalson and Strong and Schuster in duo, Boyko in humorous, Bender and Moeckly in oratory, Ingvalson in poetry, Schuster and Strong in serious reading, and Chapin and Kanizar in storytelling.  Earning superior ribbons were Ryer Larson and Tinley Beck in humorous, Casey and Luzetta Moeckly in serious reading.  Parker Hunt came home with an excellent plus ribbon in humorous.  
    The next contest for the Braves will be the Northeast Conference meet Monday in Webster.  The local contest, which will be open to the public, is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 2 at 6:00 at the school.  

 

]]> <![CDATA[B-H BOARD TALKS WITH FOSNESS, ACCEPTS $3,000]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5599,b-h-board-talks-with-fosness-accepts-3-000 https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5599,b-h-board-talks-with-fosness-accepts-3-000 Tue, 20 Oct 2026 19:29:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Britton-Hecla Board of Education discussed legislative priorities, staffing changes and school safety during its regular meeting Wednesday, Oct. 14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;     The Britton-Hecla Board of Education discussed legislative priorities, staffing changes and school safety during its regular meeting Wednesday, Oct. 14.
    Jack Baumert of the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department presented the board with a $3,000 check stemming from a 2022 poaching case. According to Game, Fish and Parks, civil penalties collected in poaching cases are paid to the school district where the incident occurred.
    District 1 State Representative Nick Fosness also met with the board to provide legislative updates and hear concerns about education and school funding. Discussion included testing procedures, ongoing school needs and accountability concerns. Fosness reiterated his support for public schools and his pledge not to support using taxpayer dollars for private education.
    The board accepted the resignation of Ryan Nack from the head maintenance position. Interviews for the position have already been conducted.
    Board members also approved a working agreement for Jenna Nordquist as junior high girls basketball coach. They approved an administrative rule waiver allowing Jenna Peters to teach math outside the subjects covered by her certification. The waiver is in its third year and requires board approval.
    Superintendent Steve Benson presented a proposed grievance policy form to accompany the grievance policy included in the negotiated agreement with certified staff. Although the agreement outlines a grievance policy, it does not include a form for staff to use. The board’s Policy Committee is reviewing the proposed form and will bring it back for consideration at the next meeting.
    In his superintendent’s report, Benson said the district partnered with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department to allow sheriff’s office personnel to access the same radio frequency used by school buses. The sheriff’s office requested access to the frequency to help provide a faster response if assistance is needed along a bus route. The district granted permission.
    Benson also reported that the 2025-26 school board earned Gold Level status, an improvement from the Silver Level status previously received.
    The board was informed of an upcoming food service review. The federally required review occurs every three years and examines the district’s food service processes and procedures.
    The board set its retreat for Jan. 25, 2027.
    The next regular Board meeting is Monday, Nov. 9.

]]> <![CDATA[COUNTY DECLARES TAX DEED PROPERTIES SURPLUS]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5598,county-declares-tax-deed-properties-surplus https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5598,county-declares-tax-deed-properties-surplus Tue, 20 Oct 2026 19:26:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Marshall County Commission met Tuesday morning and received updates on county bridge projects, roadwork and office improvements.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Highway Superintende     The Marshall County Commission met Tuesday morning and received updates on county bridge projects, roadwork and office improvements.
    Highway Superintendent Dustin Hofland reported on three bridges undergoing hydraulic studies near Tank Seed, Dennis Andrews and Donny Roehr’s properties. The county is still evaluating options for replacing the bridges, and no decisions have been made. Hofland also reported that paving on Fort Road is expected to begin Saturday or Monday.
    Larissa Heitmann of the county Extension office discussed computer equipment needs. The commission approved the purchase of a new laptop and docking station. Members also discussed rearranging office spaces in the Extension building to make better use of available space.
    The commission declared six tax-deeded properties surplus and will accept bids for them. Additional information is available in the legal notices in this week’s newspaper.
    The commission also held executive sessions for personnel and contract negotiations. No action was taken following either session.
    In zoning matters, variances were granted to Dan Brake of Buffalo Township and Jeff & Janine Wing of Lake Township.  A drainage permit was postponed for Andrew Michael (Newark SD LLP) in Newark Township. Building permits okayed for Darrell & Lois Vig - Lake Township; Jason Benike - Buffalo Township; Dan Brake (with variance) - Buffalo Township; Jeff & Janine Wing (variance) - Red Iron Lake Township; Randy Deutsch - Buffalo Township. 
    Victor Rapkoch, Marshall County States Attorney, updated the Board on some permits and issues still in process.

]]> <![CDATA[WHERE TO VOTE IN MARSHALL COUNTY]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5597,where-to-vote-in-marshall-county https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5597,where-to-vote-in-marshall-county Tue, 20 Oct 2026 19:24:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Marshall County voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, for the 2026 General Election. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Poll     Marshall County voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, for the 2026 General Election. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time.
    Polling locations and the precincts they serve are as follows:
    A1, A2 and A3: Britton Event Center, serving Britton City Wards 1, 2 and 3, respectively.
    A4: Langford City Hall, 306 Main St., Langford. Serves Langford Town and Sisseton, Hickman and Newport townships.
    A5: Veblen City Hall, 115 N. Flick St., Veblen. Serves Veblen City and McKinley, LaBelle and Veblen townships.
    A6: Lake City Lutheran Church, 123 S. First St., Lake City. Serves Lake City Town and Lake, Hamilton, Red Iron and Dumarce townships.
    A7: Eden Community Center, 302 Broadway Ave., Eden. Serves Eden Town and Eden, Fort and Buffalo townships.
    A8: County Community Building, 909 S. Main St., Britton. Serves Dayton, Newark, White, Stena and Miller townships.
    A9: County Community Building, 909 S. Main St., Britton. Serves Victor, Pleasant Valley, Lowell, Waverly, Weston, Wismer and Nordland townships.
    Voters with questions about the election may contact the Marshall County Auditor’s Office.

]]> <![CDATA[TWO RUNNERS STATE-BOUND]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5596,two-runners-state-bound https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5596,two-runners-state-bound Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:24:00 -0500State Meet In Rapid City on Saturday     Two Britton-Hecla cross country runners finished among the top 20 at the Region 1A meet in Webster last week Wednesday to qualify for the state meet in Rapid City on Saturday.
    Joseph O’Brien placed 18th in a 55-runner field in the boys 5,000-meter varsity race in 19:07.7, while Livia Knecht was 19th in the girls varsity event with 39 runners in 22:19.5.
    Other competitors for Coach Stephanie Symens were Aiden Strong, 54th in the boys varsity division with a 25:41.9 clocking; Lillian Boyko, 37th in the girls varsity in 26:30.7; Grace Folkman, 16th in the 25-runner JV girls race of 4,000 meters with a 21:11.3 effort; and Avery Leonard, 23rd in the JV event at 24:49.0.
    “The region went very well,” said Symens.  “It was a chilly day to spectate but a beautiful day to run.  Both Joseph and Livia cut 30-plus seconds off of their times from a week ago.  With the cooler weather everyone was running fast.  We are hoping that we can get those same times in Rapid City.
    “I’m very proud of all the cross country runners this season,” concluded Symens.  “They have worked hard and improved their times throughout the year.”   
    Deuel won the boys varsity team title with 22 points, followed by Sisseton at 35, Aberdeen Roncalli 61, Milbank 64, Great Plains Lutheran 98, Clark-Willow Lake 104, Webster Area 121, Florence-Henry 131, and Groton Area 138.
    Roncalli was the girls team champion with 23 points, followed by Milbank with 33, Florence-Henry 50, Clark-Willow Lake 59, and Deuel 64.  Milbank was the only JV girls team to field a full squad.
 

]]> <![CDATA[BRAVES HOSTING 9AA PLAYOFF OPENER]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5595,braves-hosting-9aa-playoff-opener https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5595,braves-hosting-9aa-playoff-opener Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:22:00 -0500Gave On Thursday at 6 p.m.     Britton-Hecla wrapped up its regular season with a 50-0 win over Sisseton on Friday that ended with 2:35 remaining in the third period on the 50-point rule to springboard itself into the Class 9AA playoffs with a home game against Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan at 6 p.m. Thursday.
    The Braves are the fourth seed with a 7-1 record while Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan is a 13 seed with a 2-6 mark.  But B-H boss Jacob Skogstad noted that the Seahawks’ record is a bit misleading.
    “Bridgewater is no typical 13 seed,” warned Skogstad.  “They are very well-coached and played a difficult schedule this season.  They have some playmakers who will run the ball hard.  The keys for us will be ball security, tackling, and execution.”
    All eight of the Seahawks’ regular season opponents qualified for the playoffs and have combined for a 53-27 record.  That list of foes includes #1 and unbeaten Parkston in Class 9AA (56-12 loss) and #2 and unbeaten Freeman in Class 9A (51-0 loss).
    Skogstad said his squad is healthy for the postseason opener.  Two players are also on the cusp of 1,000-yard seasons.  Senior runningback Ben Suther has run for 994 yards and 16 touchdowns and senior quarterback Jace Rein has completed 66% of his passes for 884 yards and 14 scores while adding another 490 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns.
    The winner of Thursday’s contest will meet the victor between #5 Waubay-Summit (7-1) and #12 Sioux Falls Lutheran (3-5) next week Thursday, Oct. 29.  If the Braves win this week they would also host the second round game.
    The Braves are aiming to end a six-game postseason losing streak.  After a state runner-up finish in 2019 Britton-Hecla has fallen in the first round of the playoffs the last six seasons, losing by just a touchdown a year ago and by four points in 2024.
    Skogstad was pleased with the way his club ended regular season play.
    “I thought we played a really well-rounded game on Friday night.  Sisseton did a good job making some plays and keeping it close in the first half.  I was proud of the way our guys stuck with the game plan and knew it would break open soon.” 
    The Braves defense made its presence felt early when Jace Rein, Graham Fosness, and Chaz Vietor all had tackles for losses to stop the Redmen’s opening drive.  Then Suther, who ran for 159 yards on just seven carries (22.7 ave.), scored the first of his three touchdowns from 30 yards out and Easton Zuehlke ran the conversion for an 8-0 lead.
    Sisseton came back with a 12-play drive that ate up most of the rest of the opening period but was forced to punt.  B-H took over on its own five and on a third and one to open the second stanza Suther rumbled for an 86-yard score and Lofton Heer booted the first of his six straight extra points for a 15-0 lead.
    Jack Teveldal came up with the first of his two pass interceptions on first down of Sisseton’s next possession but it was the only possession for the Braves that did not end with a touchdown in the contest.  
    B-H got the ball back on its own 20 and Suther opened the drive with a 32-yard gain.  Ten plays and a couple of third down conversions later Suther scored for the third time on a three-yard dive with 3:35 left in the quarter and the Braves led 22-0 at halftime.
    Then came the third quarter explosion that Skogstad had been waiting for.  The local gridders opened the second half with a seven-play, 53-yard drive capped by a Rein 21-yard scamper at the 8:34 mark.  B-H recovered a Sisseton fumble and scored on first down when Chaz Vietor grabbed a 32-yard scoring toss from Rein for touchdowns just 80 seconds apart.
    Another fumble on the kickoff put the Braves back in business on the Sisseton 19 and Rein did the honors with a 14-yard TD run for a 43-0 advantage with 4:24 left in the third stanza.  Teveldal put on the finishing touches when he came up with a pick six less than two minutes later to end the game.
    Britton-Hecla held a 327-100 total yardage advantage with 274 yards rushing and 53 more through the air.  Sisseton was a minus two yards rushing for the game and had 100 passing.
    Fosness led the defensive effort with 5.5 stops and Suther had five tackles.  Vietor came up with a pair of quarterback sacks and Teveldal two pass interceptions.    

 

SEE THIS WEEK'S JOURNAL FOR FULL STATS. CALL US AT 605-448-2281 TO BECOME AN ONLINE SUBSCRIBER.

]]> <![CDATA[LADY BRAVES SPLIT MATCHES]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5594,lady-braves-split-matches https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5594,lady-braves-split-matches Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:18:00 -0500Host Season Finale On Tuesday     The Britton-Hecla volleyball squad split a pair of matches in the past week, downing North Central in four sets last week Tuesday and falling to Hamlin in straight sets on Thursday.
    Coach Jenna Peters’ squad took a 14-5 record into a home match with Great Plains Lutheran last night Tuesday.  Friday the Lady Braves tangle with once-beaten Clark-Willow Lake in Clark and Tuesday will wrap up regular season play by hosting Wilmot.  Region 1A will be held Nov. 3 and 5.
    “We’ve had some tough games recently but they really highlighted what we need to work on,” said Peters.  “We had some really good moments though, and I was proud of the girls.  Our goals this week and next week are to beat GPL and Wilmot so that we can win the ECC again.  Then it’s on to the region and the girls have been working really hard at practice.”    

B-H 25-25-19-25
North Central 19-20-25-21
    B-H won a hard-fought contest against North Central at Eureka, taking the opening two sets and putting the match away in the fourth
    Maddi Micko had a good night at the service line, hitting 16-26 serves and five aces and also had 10 kills at the net.  Chellon Pruitt also came up with 10 kills and Jaelee Grupe pounded nine as the Lady Braves came up with a total of 42 kills and 17 aces.

Hamlin 25-25-25
B-H 21-14-15
    Hamlin put together some big runs to keep the Lady Braves at bay and earn the sweep.
    The visitors put together 7-0 and 7-1 runs in the opening set and led 19-11, but B-H rallied with a 10-3 run of its own behind four kills and an ace from Jaelee Grupe to trail just 22-21 before Hamlin scored the final three points.
    In set two B-H trailed just 7-6 when Hamlin’s Addelyn Jensen rattled off nine straight serves, including four straight aces, to put the Chargers in command 17-6.  The final set was a similar story.  The Lady Braves trailed just 15-14 before the visitors went on a 10-1 run to end the match.
    Grupe was 11-12 at the service line with three aces and had 13 assists.  Maddi Micko led at the net with seven kills, and Daynika Zuehlke came up with 10 digs.

 

SEE THIS WEEK'S JOURNAL FOR FULL STATS. CALL US AT 605-448-2281 TO BECOME AN ONLINE SUBSCRIBER.
 

]]> <![CDATA[TOUGH WEEK FOR LA VOLLEYBALL SQUAD]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5593,tough-week-for-la-volleyball-squad https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5593,tough-week-for-la-volleyball-squad Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:16:00 -0500Regular Season Finale At Warner on Tuesday     The Langford Area volleyball squad had a tough week, dropping a five-set heartbreaker to Hitchcock-Tulare last week Tuesday and losing three of four matches in a tournament in Miller on Saturday.
    The Lady Lions took a 14-12 season mark into a home match with Webster Area last night Tuesday and will play their regular season finale at Warner on Tuesday.  Region 1B play is set for Nov. 2, 3, and 5.

H-T 17-21-25-25-15
LA 25-25-22-20-9
    Hitchcock-Tulare lost the first two sets but rallied to defeat Langford Area in five sets.
    “This was a really tough loss,” said Larson.  “We started the match at full speed and won the first two but lost momentum and we just couldn’t get it back.  We had a hard time making some adjustments and it just wasn’t our night.  However, Brynn Samson played one of her best games and really passed and covered well.”
    Lizzie Gustafson had eight kills at the net and also led the Lady Lions at the service line with 19-20 and two aces.  Josie Jensen was 22-24 at the net with five kills and came up with four blocks, and Bailey Dwight had 23 digs.
 

Miller Tournament
Castlewood 25-25
LA 13-12
    Castlewood rolled to a sweep over Langford Area in opening round play of the Miller Tournament.
    Lizzie Gustafson had five kills and Emily Olson and Brynn Samson each came up with six digs to lead the Lady Lions.
  

LA 25-25-25
I-LP 23-27-14
    The Lady Lions split a couple of hard-fought sets before cruising to the win in three over Ioroquois-Lake Preston.
    Brooklynn West was 19-19 at the service line with three aces, Lizzie Gustafson was 27-31 at the net with six kills and had 24 digs, and Emily Olson and Brooke Dwight each had five kills.


    Warner had things its way in sweeping LA.
    Lizzie Gustafson, Brooke Dwight, and Emily Olson each had a pair of kills.
 

Groton Area 27-25
LA 25-9
    Groton Area edged LA in extra time in the opening set but then rolled to an easy second set win for the sweep.
    Lizzie Gustafson led LA at the net with four kills and had 10 digs.  
 

SEE THIS WEEK'S JOURNAL FOR FULL STATS. CALL US AT 605-448-2281 TO BECOME AN ONLINE SUBSCRIBER.
 

]]> <![CDATA[TIGERS ROAR INTO PLAYOFFS]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5592,tigers-roar-into-playoffs https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5592,tigers-roar-into-playoffs Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:12:00 -0500Travel To Winner For 11B Opener Thursday     Groton Area finished off its regular season with a 28-0 shutout over rival Aberdeen Roncalli on Friday and will travel to Winner on Thursday to open the Class 11B playoffs in a 6 p.m. contest. 
    “We are excited to be in the playoffs and get a match-up against a good football team in Winner,” said GA boss Jordan Carson.  “We’ve gotten a lot better as the year has gone on and our guys are excited to go stand toe-to-toe with a solid Winner team.  We have a lot of similarities in style of play and it’s going to come down to how well we can run the ball on offense and stop the run on defense.”
    The two clubs have played one common opponent this season in Miller/Highmore-Harrold.  The Tigers posted a 21-0 win and Winner rolled to a 60-6 victory.  Groton Area takes a 4-4 record into the postseason and is the 13th seed.  Winner stands at 7-1 and is seeded fourth with its only loss to second seed and unbeaten St. Thomas More 35-20.
    The winner of Thursday’s playoff game will meet the winner between #5 Deuel (6-2) and #12 Beresford (4-4) on Thursday, Oct. 29.
    In the regular season finale Groton Area led 7-0 at halftime on a one-yard Asher Johnson run and the first of four Ryder Schwan PAT kicks.  Asher found Anthon Tracy with a 20-yard scoring strike with 2:17 left in the third period for a 14-0 margin after three quarters.
    Then the Tigers scored twice in just 30 seconds late in the final stanza to put the game away.  Ryder Schelle rumbled 39 yards to paydirt with 3:43 remaining in the contest, and 30 seconds later Tracy found the end zone again, this time on a 13-yard scamper.  
    “We knew that we were going to try and establish a run game early on and had a couple different formations we were going to hit the ground game with, and they had a solid defensive plan for that.  But trying to establish a strong run presence opened up a couple passing plays for us late in the third quarter that we capitalized on.  Then we were able to find a couple bigger run lanes later in the fourth quarter to seal the game for us.  We knew going into this game that it wasn’t going to be easy.  They came out ready to play and we were in a dog fight.”
    GA piled up 219 yards rushing behind Johnson’s 76, Tracy’s 45, and Schelle’s 31 and added 64 via the airways with Tracy grabbing three for 35 yards and TC Schuster a couple for 29.  Roncalli managed just 10 yards on the ground and 76 passing as the Tigers won the total yardage battle 283-86.
    Johnson also had a big game on the defensive side of the ball with 10 tackles and a pass interception.  Schelle had eight stops and Layne Johnson six tackles, a fumble recovery, and forced fumble.

 

SEE THIS WEEK'S JOURNAL FOR FULL STATS. CALL US AT 605-448-2281 TO BECOME AN ONLINE SUBSCRIBER. 
 

]]> <![CDATA[YOUNG BRAVES FINISH WITH 7-1 RECORD]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5591,young-braves-finish-with-7-1-record https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5591,young-braves-finish-with-7-1-record Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:10:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Britton-Hecla Junior High football team won three of its final four games to finish the season with a 7-1 record.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“We had a great year,” said Coach J     The Britton-Hecla Junior High football team won three of its final four games to finish the season with a 7-1 record.
    “We had a great year,” said Coach Jameson Peters.  “I think the boys probably even surprised themselves.  With only 11 total athletes (one injured for the year), we were outnumbered in every game. The kids showed grit, heart, and a desire to win.  The future is bright for the football program.”
    The young Braves had success on both sides of the ball, scoring 162 points and only allowing 58 (including three shutouts).  Offensively the team was led by Cullen Peters, who went 51-87 for 1,033 passing yards and 15 touchdowns.  Peters proved to be a dual threat by also leading the team in rushing with 543 yards on 77 carries and nine touchdowns.  Isaac Richter was the leading receiver with 25 catches for 640 yards and 11 touchdowns.  Defensively, Peters led the team in tackles with 55, followed by 48 for Colton Biel, and 45 for Rylan Carlson.  

Britton-Hecla 12
Waubay-Summit 0

    Cullen Peters rushed for 35 and threw for 141 yards (8-11) and two touchdowns, connecting with Isaac Richter on both from 27 and 58 yards.  Richter finished with 96 yards receiving on three catches.  Colton Biel added 19 yards on the ground and 38 through the air.  Biel led the defense with six tackles and Peters contributed five tackles and an interception.    

Britton-Hecla 28
Wyndmere 0
    The young Braves racked up 253 yards of total offense, led by Cullen Peters who rushed for 123 yards on 11 carries and three touchdowns, including one from 75 yards out.  Peters also went 7-10 for 119 yards passing and one 45-yard touchdown to Isaac Richter (four catches 97 yards).  Colton Biel added 13 yards rushing and Crue Jones chipped in with 15 yards receiving on two catches.     Defensively, Ivan Regalado led the team with eight tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery.  Rylan Carlson added five tackles and two sacks.  Breven Schmieg recorded five tackles, one sack, and a fumble recovery.  Richter also recovered a fumble.  Peters had an interception, and Luke Zuehlke had a pass breakup.  

Britton-Hecla 18
Redfield 14
    Cullen Peters completed 8-12 pass attempts for 195 yards and three touchdowns.  He connected with Isaac Richter (four catches 135 yards) on all three touchdowns from four, 60, and 63 yards out.  Colton Biel (one catch 25 yards), Crue Jones (one catch 17 yards), and Rylan Carlson (two catches 18 yards) also helped the passing attack.  Peters led on the ground with 52 yards on 10 carries and was also the leader defensively with 19 tackles.  Colton Biel and Rylan Carlson each added nine tackles.

Sisseton 22
Britton-Hecla 8
    Yards were hard to come by and three turnovers proved costly in the young Braves only loss of the season at Sisseton.
    Cullen Peters connected with Isaac Richter on three of his 11 passes for 96 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown.  Peters also rushed for a team-leading 67 yards on 15 carries.  The defensive effort was led by Rylan Carlson with 10 tackles, Colton Biel had nine stops, Peters eight, and Breven Schmieg seven.  Ivan Regalado recorded a fumble recovery.
 

]]> <![CDATA[BRITTON COUNCIL: WATER METER ORDINANCE CHANGE FAILS]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5590,britton-council-water-meter-ordinance-change-fails https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5590,britton-council-water-meter-ordinance-change-fails Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:19:00 -0500Lehr Discusses Sale Barn Lots     The Britton City Council continued discussions about the city’s water meter project and how to pay for it during its Monday meeting, while also considering the possible sale of city-owned lots and scheduling additional work on the 2027 budget.
Water meter ordinance and surcharge
    The water meter project, estimated at $375,000, has prompted questions about whether the city or property owners should be responsible for the cost of installing and maintaining meters and related equipment.
    At a previous meeting, Councilman Jerome Marlow asked City Attorney Justin Scott to draft an ordinance amendment that would change the existing language in city code regarding water meters. The current ordinance states that the city furnishes meters and water management equipment, while property owners are responsible for installation and associated costs.
    Marlow proposed changing the ordinance to state that all meters and water management equipment would be maintained and installed at the city’s expense.
    During Monday’s meeting, Mayor Clyde Fredrickson cautioned against making the change, saying it could commit the city to covering future costs without considering its other financial obligations.
    “I think it would be a bad mistake for us to say the city’s going to pay for everything going forward and go against what previous councils have decided,” Fredrickson said. “It is my opinion we would be better off establishing a dollar amount and taking several years paying it off for the meter projects. We have other projects we want to pursue and don’t want to burn through our funds.”
    Marlow said he remained concerned about the scope and cost of the project, including whether the city had adequately explored other options. He also expressed concern about placing a financial burden on residents who might struggle to afford the expense.
    Councilman Kirk Greeno said he did not believe the ordinance needed to be changed to address the current project, noting the council could still decide whether to implement a surcharge.
    Councilman Phil Pruitt also questioned the proposed amendment, saying it could limit future councils’ options by expanding the expenses covered by the city rather than property owners or developers.
    Marlow moved to approve the first reading of the ordinance amendment, but the motion died for lack of a second.
    The council then discussed a possible surcharge to help cover the water meter project. Based on preliminary calculations, Fredrickson estimated a surcharge could range from $3 to $7 per month over several years.
    Council members noted that more information was needed about the number of meters of each size that had been installed. That information will be researched and brought back to the council at its next meeting.
    Water drainage concerns were also raised during public comment. George Flannery told the council that water had reached his house about half a dozen times over the past year. He questioned whether a previous stormwater project, which added more water to the line, had contributed to drainage problems. Flannery said Fifth Street can turn into a retention pond during wet conditions. The city will look into the problem more. 
Sale Barn lots discussed
    The council also discussed the possible sale or lease of city-owned lots near the Sale Barn with Glen Lehr, owner of Lehr Sanitation.
    At last month’s meeting, the council discussed leasing the front four lots for parking semi-trucks or other equipment, with restrictions against storing unusable items, salvage or junk. The city attorney was directed to draft a proposed lease agreement for $200 per month.
    During Monday’s meeting, Lehr said he had been placing roll-off containers and dumpsters on some of the city lots and was interested in purchasing property instead.
    Lehr asked whether the city would consider selling Lots 1 and 6, located north and west of his property. He said he would fence off the area and noted that his business had been a good steward of the space, keeping it clean and receiving no complaints.
    Council members discussed the history of the lots and raised questions about where the city would pile snow, as portions of the property are currently used for that purpose. Lehr asked the city to develop figures for both a potential sale and a lease and provide them to him.
Other council business
    The council convened as the Zoning Board to consider a variance request from Greg Beck, who wants to build a new garage. Concerns were raised about the proposed building’s proximity to the neighboring property line and whether it would be too close to a propane tank under applicable requirements. No motion was made to approve the variance. Fredrickson noted that Beck could reapply, and council members said it would be helpful for him to attend a future meeting to explain the project.
    Finance Officer Jacki Medhaug requested a special meeting to allow the council to review the 2027 budget in greater detail. The meeting was scheduled for Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.
    During public comment, Jeanne Ahlgren thanked the Britton Public Library for hosting a speaker at the Event Center on Monday to discuss the Constitution. Corrine Zorn asked about advertising the Event Center. Center Director Laken Werner said the facility has a Facebook page but has not used paid advertising.
    North Marshall Fire Department Chief Nate Dinger told the council the department is planning an addition on the west side of its fire hall. The city still owns the property beneath the fire hall, while an adjacent landowner is allowing the department to use part of the neighboring lot. Dinger said an agreement will need to be pursued regarding the use of city-owned land.
    In other business, engineers from ISG reported that a new pump had been installed at the lift station. The project is awaiting electrical work to connect the pump to the existing panel.
The council approved a new malt beverage license for Braves Stop and tabled a dog complaint until next month’s meeting.
    Werner also updated the council on a state tree grant discussed at the previous meeting. Although the application deadline was Oct. 1, she learned the city needed a formal motion at a meeting to pursue the grant. She suggested revisiting the opportunity early next year and forming committees to help with the process.
    Public Works Supervisor Cameron Gerken reported that a resident had removed a tree believed to be on city property near an alley and asked whether the city would pay half the $500 cost. Gerken will verify the tree’s location before the city determines how to proceed.
    The council entered executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss an employment matter. No action was taken afterward.
 

]]> <![CDATA[HE'S HERE!]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5589,he-039-s-here https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5589,he-039-s-here Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:19:00 -0500Our son is here! The moment we’ve been waiting for for almost a year has finally arrived, and my family couldn’t be more excited.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On September 12, 2026, Oswald Brason Warburton Our son is here! The moment we’ve been waiting for for almost a year has finally arrived, and my family couldn’t be more excited.
    On September 12, 2026, Oswald Brason Warburton became part of our world. That Friday night, we made our way to Aberdeen to check into the hospital. I had convinced everyone, including myself, that this baby was coming early. But the day had finally arrived, and we no longer had to worry about which route would be the fastest during labor. We had plenty of time to get everything ready and prepare for his arrival.
    We picked up the girls from daycare and stopped at a park before dropping them off at my cousin’s house. After that, we enjoyed a quick date-night dinner before the big event.
    I won’t go into all the details of my labor, but I will say that things didn’t go as planned. About eleven hours into labor, my blood pressure and the baby’s heart rate kept dropping. The doctor felt it was best to perform an emergency C-section to keep us both safe.
    At that point, I was freaking out on the inside. I know plenty of mothers have C-sections, but you never expect to need one yourself until it happens.
    Everything was moving so fast, and the lights were so bright. But with Chase right beside me, I knew we were going to be okay. I just tried to hold it together until I heard his little cries. When I finally did, I could breathe again, and I cried with relief.
    I couldn’t wait for the girls to meet their little brother! My cousin Beccie had been watching them while we were in the hospital. They went to her son’s football game, visited the museum, and spent time at Wiley Park. Knowing they were having such a good time made me feel so much better while we were away.
    When they arrived at the hospital, Autumn immediately went for the bottle, eager to feed her baby brother. Violet wanted to hold him first, and when I placed him in her arms, my heart was completely full. Watching her take in his tiny little self as she gently touched his head and gave him soft kisses was everything I had been waiting for over the past few months. It was a moment I’ll never forget.
    And now, I’m completely obsessed. With all the baby snuggles, all the little noses, and all the tiny things that make him so precious. I have three beautiful kids, and I couldn’t be happier.

]]> <![CDATA[IF ONLY I COULD CLONE MYSELF]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5587,if-only-i-could-clone-myself https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5587,if-only-i-could-clone-myself Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:17:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do you ever wish you could clone yourself? I bet all busy moms, and busy humans in general, have had that thought at one point or another. My husband and I sometimes watch the adult    Do you ever wish you could clone yourself? I bet all busy moms, and busy humans in general, have had that thought at one point or another. My husband and I sometimes watch the adult animated series “Rick and Morty.” I imagine some of my fine readers might find that show a little too lowbrow for their tastes, and I often do myself. But the point for this particular column is the clone part. The mom, Beth, is offered a clone to help with her busy life, and it often gets me thinking about how I could use a few clones myself.
    What would you do if you had a clone of yourself, or a couple of clones? Here are a few thoughts on what I would do with mine.
    Really dig into my job. I hope you all like what I do here at the paper, but if I had another me who could basically live at the Journal, oh, how wonderful it would be! I would write those hard-hitting stories I’ve always lain in bed thinking about. I would travel far and wide to get you the best advertising you’ve ever seen. Mostly, I would make my unfortunate clone go to all my meetings for me. Like I said last week, I find those meetings very enlightening, but they do get kind of long and draining, especially when I have multiple ones in a week. You can be assured my clone would do a wonderful job writing this column, so don’t lose any sleep over that.
    Delegate all my volunteer activities. Somehow, over the last several months, I’ve found myself with a lot more of this type of thing on my plate. The Britton Area Chamber of Commerce has taken more time than I realized it would, but I most definitely want to see that organization thrive and stay vibrant. Still, if my clone could handle all that behind the scenes work, I would happily hand it over. Then there are the religious education classes my husband and I volunteered to teach at our local church. I wanted to be part of the solution and thought, if you’re looking around and no one else is willing to do it, why not look in the mirror? I felt like I was being called, but then again, my clone could be called to do the same important work in that realm! And then there’s my trivia side gig. It might be hard to give this one up because I actually enjoy trivia. How about I just make my clone plan the games, put everything together and set up the whole operation? Then I can show up, enjoy the fun and have a couple of adult beverages. That sounds about right!
    Have the cleanest house in town. I don’t mind cleaning my house and, in fact, find it therapeutic at times. But if I could have somebody around to do those really undesirable tasks, like cleaning my baseboards, scrubbing the fronts of my cupboards and rearranging my kids’ books on the shelf, I would be pleased as punch. There’s just not enough time in the day to do all that on top of everything else. 
    If I had a clone, I would also have her do all my exercising and nutritional management. Then again, if the clone did all the work, I’m not sure I would reap any of the benefits. I suppose I’d have to think that one through.
    Be a more attentive mother. This is the one that really gets to me sometimes. I know I spend too much time messing around on my phone when I’m in the presence of my kids, trying to squeeze in a few extra work emails or plan my next trivia game. The mom guilt is real. If I had a clone to do all my other stuff, I could spend that time being the most patient, wonderful, fun mom ever. My kids would probably wonder what happened to their mother, but at least I’d be fully present for the mystery.
    Alas, there is only one of me, and though I’m sure human cloning will one day be a reality, I doubt I’ll be able to afford it. So what am I to do? Probably figure out how to balance my life a little better, make time for what’s important and occasionally say no to what’s not. Probably good advice for all of us, clone or no clone.

]]> <![CDATA[DISTRICT 5 COMMISSION CANDIDATES ANSWER QUESTIONS]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5588,district-5-commission-candidates-answer-questions https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5588,district-5-commission-candidates-answer-questions Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:12:00 -0500Election Nov. 3     Marshall County voters will decide a contested county commission race in District 5 during the Nov. 3 general election. Republican Tim Dahme and Democrat Jerry Burger are vying for the seat, which is being vacated by incumbent Lynda Luttrell, who is not seeking another term.
    In District 1, Democrat Doug Medhaug is running unopposed and will serve another term. Republican Jason Bender is also unopposed in District 3 and will return to the commission.
    District 5 generally covers the northwest portion of Marshall County, excluding most of Britton. Ahead of the election, both candidates were given the opportunity to share their backgrounds, qualifications and priorities with voters through the following questionnaires.


Republican Candidate Tim Dahme
    1. Please describe your personal background. 
    My family first moved to Britton in 1978. We left in 1983 and returned again in 1989, the same year I joined the United States Marine Corps. I served on active duty until retiring in 2009. After retirement, I stayed busy by completing both my Bachelor’s degree and an MBA, and spent several years working as a contractor on Marine Corps logistics projects.
    In 2011, I returned to Britton to begin the next chapter of my life. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working for Hortons as a buyer, scheduler, and planner; for Mitek as a Project Manager; as a Project Management consultant for Winmill Software; and now as a Project Manager for Freeport McMoRan (FMI). I work remotely for FMI with occasional travel to their headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona.
    2. Why did you decide to run for the commission?
In 2024 and 2025, I had the honor of serving on the Britton City Council. That experience taught me a great deal about how municipalities operate and the challenges they face. City councils have limited flexibility due to small budgets and mandatory spending requirements for essential services. I realized that to make a larger impact for the City of Britton—and for the region as a whole—I should run for a County Commissioner seat, where the scope of influence and responsibility is greater.
    3. Why are you a strong choice for the Marshall County Commission?
    I believe I am a strong candidate because I bring a combination of education, experience, and lifelong service. My background includes:
•    Extensive leadership experience from 20 years in the Marine Corps
•    Service on the Britton City Council
•    A deep understanding of municipal and county budgeting
•    Professional expertise in government finance, contracting, and project management
•    Current responsibility for managing a project with an annual budget of $100 million
•    A genuine commitment to the residents of Marshall County
    My goal is always to serve the greater good and ensure responsible, transparent decision-making.
    4. If elected, what would your top priorities be and how would you address them?
    My top priority is to deliver a county budget that meets the needs of Marshall County residents and exceeds their expectations. County spending should be guided by what benefits the majority of citizens, not a select few. I also believe we can improve transparency so residents better understand how decisions are made and how funds are allocated. I will work to ensure that county priorities reflect the greatest good for the greatest number.
    5. What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Marshall County right now, and what would you like to see the commission do about it?
    Marshall County faces many of the same challenges seen across the country, just on a smaller scale. Key areas of focus include:
•    Affordable Housing: This is a complex issue nationwide. The county should continue partnering with organizations like GLAD to help connect residents with the resources they need.
•    Healthcare Access: We are fortunate to have Marshall Healthcare Center, which has made significant improvements—adding a CT scanner, MRI, dental services, and expanding the hospital after years of downsizing. We must continue supporting their efforts to provide high-quality care.
•    Job Market & Workforce: The county should evaluate how it can support local businesses, attract talent, and strengthen the workforce to keep Marshall County competitive and vibrant.
•    Family-Friendly Communities: We should explore ways the county can assist municipalities in offering services, amenities, and opportunities that make Marshall County an exceptional place to raise a family.


Democratic Candidate
Jerry Burger
    1. Please describe your personal background.
    My wife, Kim, of 41 years and I raised our two children on my family farm northwest of Britton. I retired from the Marshall County Highway Department three years ago. I am now enjoying my new role as Grandpa.
    2. Why did you decide to run for the commission?
    I’ve really enjoyed going to commission meetings now that I have retired. I also enjoy seeing how local government interacts with other local entities and the public. I like trying to solve problems.
    3. Why are you a strong choice for the Marshall County Commission?
    I am not afraid to ask questions and try to come up with solutions. My many years serving on the township board make me uniquely qualified to try to work with everyone.
    4/5. If elected, what would your top priorities be and how would you address them? What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Marshall County right now, and what would you like to see the commission do about it?
    The biggest problem that I see for the county is our roads and how to improve them while still staying within our budget. I also think we need to look at how to keep the qualified people who work for the county. Most of what I see boils down to money. I think we should concentrate on finding grants that we can apply for to help fund our infrastructure.

 

]]> <![CDATA[HAUNTED FORT THIS WEEKEND]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5586,haunted-fort-this-weekend https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5586,haunted-fort-this-weekend Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:09:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fort Sisseton Historic State Park will host its annual Haunted Fort Oct. 16-17, featuring spooky nighttime attractions and family-friendly Halloween activities Saturday afterno     Fort Sisseton Historic State Park will host its annual Haunted Fort Oct. 16-17, featuring spooky nighttime attractions and family-friendly Halloween activities Saturday afternoon.
    The scary Haunted Fort will run from 7 to 11 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, with visitors required to be in line by 10:45 p.m. to enter the haunted maze. Admission is $5 per person.
    Visitors can explore decorated historic buildings, vote for their favorite decorations with loose change, take a hayrack ride, listen to ghost stories around a campfire and enjoy Halloween-themed concessions. New this year is a nighttime zombie scavenger hunt with prizes.
    Firepit rentals are available for $40 and include two bundles of wood and a picnic table. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 605-910-4465.
    A non-scary event for children and families will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Activities include trick-or-treating through decorated buildings, crafts, Halloween stories, wagon rides and concessions. The haunted maze will also be open with the lights on and no people jumping out.             Admission is $5 per child, including one adult, with additional adults charged $5 each.
All proceeds from the events will support restoration and other projects at the park through the Fort Sisseton Commission.

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