<![CDATA[ Latest articles - Marshall County Journal ]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/articles en Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:33:00 -0500 <![CDATA[JULY HEAT]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5470,july-heat https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5470,july-heat Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:33:00 -0500&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;At 32 weeks pregnant in July, this heat is not for the weak. My body is starting to tell me to slow down, and I don’t really know how to do that. But I have to.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nb     At 32 weeks pregnant in July, this heat is not for the weak. My body is starting to tell me to slow down, and I don’t really know how to do that. But I have to.
    The other day, I picked up the girls from daycare and started driving when I noticed a hot smell coming from the car. I checked the fluid levels, immediately turned around, and brought it to NAPA. I’m so glad I did because they told me my engine would have blown if I had tried to drive all the way home.
    The thought of being stranded on the side of the road in 95-degree weather with two toddlers in the back seat terrified me. My husband rushed into town to help, and in the middle of all the excitement, I started feeling sick.
    I’m a redhead, so growing up I burned in the sun very easily. I still do. But once the temperature gets above 85 degrees, my body starts to feel ill. It’s almost like I’m allergic to the sun. Now that I’m in my third trimester, it’s even worse.
    It only took about ten minutes in the heat before I started feeling sick after I got home. I jumped into a cold shower and drank lots of water, but by the end of the night, something still felt off. Braxton Hicks. 
    At this stage of pregnancy, your emotions run high. Every unfamiliar feeling can be a scary one. Your baby is growing, pushing on every organ, and every little ache makes you wonder, Is this normal?
    After about an hour, I started timing the pains and eventually called my doctor around 11 p.m. I hoped they would tell me I could just go to Britton to get checked and avoid driving all the way to Aberdeen. Instead, they said if I needed to be seen, I’d have to come there.
    I really didn’t want to load two sleeping girls into the car at midnight for an hour-long drive just to be told everything was normal. So, I waited it out.
    Thankfully, by morning everything felt fine.
    But I’m starting to realize that everyday things are becoming much harder. Walking hurts. Bending over to pick something up off the floor is basically impossible. By the end of the day, my belly feels heavy and tight, and my body is simply exhausted.
    I’m sure this all sounds a little dramatic, but I wanted to write about it because I want people to understand just how hard pregnancy can be on a woman’s body. The smallest bit of patience or sympathy can mean the world to a mom who feels like she’s carrying the weight of everything.
    While she’s literally carrying a baby, too.
    It’s still too soon for this baby to arrive, and now I’m starting to worry that I won’t be able to keep up with my cleaning jobs much longer.
    For now, I’m trying to listen to what my body has been trying to tell me all along:
Slow down.

]]> <![CDATA[HOW DO YOU CURE INSOMNIA? WELL, LISTEN HERE...]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5469,how-do-you-cure-insomnia-well-listen-here https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5469,how-do-you-cure-insomnia-well-listen-here Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:32:00 -0500&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;What do you do when you can’t sleep?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There are all the standard suggestions, of course. Count sheep. Drink a glass of warm milk, which sounds awful. Change po     What do you do when you can’t sleep?
    There are all the standard suggestions, of course. Count sheep. Drink a glass of warm milk, which sounds awful. Change positions in bed. Read a book. We’ve all been there, and we’ve probably all tried at least one or two of those tricks.
    I go through occasional bouts of sleeplessness where I’ll wake up in the middle of the night and just stay awake. Falling asleep in the first place usually isn’t my problem. But if I wake up, typically around 3 a.m., getting back to sleep can be a challenge.
    I’ll admit I’ve taken the occasional melatonin, but I don’t like relying on it too often. So over the years I’ve experimented with other methods.
    One of my first solutions was music. Enya, the well known Irish new age artist, became one of my go to choices. Pop in one earbud so I don’t bother my husband, hit play and drift off. At least, that was the plan.
    Eventually I realized Enya’s soothing music couldn’t compete with the hamster wheel spinning in my brain. I needed something that would drown out my thoughts with actual talking, but not something interesting enough to keep me awake.
    Naturally, I tried audiobooks. That was just ok. Either I’d get completely wrapped up in the story and refuse to go back to sleep, or I’d actually fall asleep and wake up annoyed because I’d missed some crucial plot twist. It wasn’t exactly a winning strategy.
    So I moved on to long YouTube videos with content that was, well, intentionally dull.
    For a while I listened to videos about the history of Middle Earth, the fictional world of The Lord of the Rings. I’m a pretty big LOTR fan and even studied Tolkien in college, which turned out to be part of the problem. Before long I was fully invested in the early history of Sauron, the forging of the One Ring and all sorts of ancient elven politics. Instead of getting sleepy, I was wide awake wondering how Morgoth had managed to ruin everything yet again.
    Clearly, I needed something even more generic. That’s when I searched “boring history to fall asleep.” Jackpot.
    Apparently there’s an entire corner of YouTube dedicated to three hour videos designed specifically to put people to sleep.
    Here are just a few of the titles I’ve stumbled across. “How Did Frontier Families Sleep Through the Coldest Nights Without Freezing?” “How Did Medieval Pirates Sleep on Ships Without Freezing?” “What Was It Really Like to Sleep in a Medieval Inn?” and “How Did Vikings Sleep in Shelters Without Freezing?”
    You might notice a theme.
    For some reason, nearly all of these videos revolve around sleeping and freezing.
    When I first started listening to them, just listening, not watching, I assumed they were narrated by actual historians. That illusion didn’t last long. It quickly became obvious they were AI generated, complete with an AI voice sporting a surprisingly soothing British accent.
    After listening to several of them, another pattern emerged. Every single one seemed to contain lengthy discussions about building fires, trying not to choke on smoke from those fires and the best materials for constructing shelters, which apparently always include mud, wattle and some sort of animal hair.
    Without fail, every few minutes the narrator would solemnly announce that “historians disagree” or “researchers debate” whatever point had just been made. Sure they do.
    It became pretty clear that whoever was creating these videos probably did about 20 minutes of research before asking AI to stretch it into a three hour documentary.
    To be fair, they often do help me fall asleep.
    On the other hand, some of them are put together so poorly that they have the opposite effect. Occasionally the AI voice glitches, suddenly talking at double speed before slowing down into what sounds like a very intoxicated British man trying to remember how sentences work. It’s less than relaxing.
    Over the past few months I’ve discovered a few creators who actually produce well researched history with real narrators and real facts. The problem is those videos are actually interesting.
    Once again, I’m lying there at 3:45 in the morning completely invested in some obscure historical event instead of sleeping.
    So have I found the perfect cure for middle of the night insomnia? Not exactly.
    But if you’ve already tried everything else, don’t care whether your history is especially accurate and find a slightly garbled AI British accent oddly comforting, I have a whole list of recommendations.
    You’re welcome
 

]]> <![CDATA[NEW WEAPON FOR FIGHTING FIRES]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5467,new-weapon-for-fighting-fires https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5467,new-weapon-for-fighting-fires Wed, 29 Jul 2026 07:15:00 -0500Brush 7 Will Help NMFD Carry The Load     A new fire truck parked inside the North Marshall Fire Department may look like a heavy-duty pickup, but firefighters say it is one of the most capable pieces of equipment the department has ever owned.
    Known as Brush 7, the department’s new Type 6 wildland fire engine was built to respond to grass and wildland fires both close to home and across the region. Designed on a Ford F-550 chassis, the four-wheel-drive truck is compact enough to travel through rough terrain while carrying specialized firefighting equipment, water and the ability to fight fire while moving.
    For North Marshall Fire Chief Nate Dinger, the truck represents years of planning and a commitment to strengthening the department without placing additional costs on local taxpayers.
    “The goal has always been to build up our local department and our equipment without burdening taxpayers,” Dinger said.
    The idea for Brush 7 began in August 2025 when members of the North Marshall Fire Department Association learned funding through donations was available. The association voted to move forward with the project, ordering the truck on Dec. 31. Rather than purchasing a completed fire engine, department members oversaw construction locally in Britton over the next four months.
    Engine Boss Tyler Cape said taking that approach saved the department more than $100,000.
    “We built exactly what we wanted,” Cape said.
    Cape, who has served as a firefighter for 17 years, has fought wildland fires throughout the United States. While deployed, he made a point of talking with firefighters from other agencies about the equipment they relied on.
    “I’d always ask them what they liked about their trucks and what they wished was different,” he said. “We took the best ideas from all of them and put them into one truck.”
    Fellow firefighter Brett Hockenbrock, a 10-year member of the department, agreed.
    “It’s really a combination of everything that was best,” he said.
    Although North Marshall already owned one truck dedicated to wildland fires, firefighters said one vehicle was no longer enough.
    Wildland fires are unpredictable, and multiple engines are often needed to attack a fire from different sides. The department previously didn’t have enough wildland fire trucks for the amount of volunteers responding to fires or to handle complex wildland fire incidents.
    The new truck features two hose reels, additional storage and highly maneuverable hose that can be deployed in places larger fire engines cannot reach.
    Cape said those capabilities could make a significant difference with the hundreds of feet of hose to get water on a fire fast where getting a truck directly to the fire line isn’t possible due to terrain, vegetation, or other circumstances. 
    “If Brush 7 saves one home, one barn or keeps one fire from getting large, it’ll be worth it,” Cape said.
    Brush 7 was officially unveiled May 26. Just two days later, it left Britton for its first assignment, helping battle the Rock Fire in the Pine Ridge area.
    Since then, the truck has responded to multiple deployments in western South Dakota. Most recently, Cape said the crew spent two weeks based out of Hot Springs, assisting on three different wildland fires.
    Sometimes crews are dispatched because of an active wildfire. Other times they are sent because dangerous fire weather conditions make additional resources necessary.
    “Sometimes the goal is simply to keep a fire small enough,” Hockenbrock said.
    The truck has even become a familiar sight outside of emergencies, taking part in the Fourth of July parade in Hot Springs while crews were stationed there.
    Cape serves as the department’s qualified Engine Boss, a certification earned through years of wildfire experience, classroom training and incident management courses. The designation is required under national wildland firefighting standards to supervise a Type 6 engine crew. One of the department’s long-term goals is to train additional firefighters to earn the same certification.
    Although Brush 7 was built to serve Marshall County first, it also benefits the department financially when deployed to larger incidents. Through state and federal reimbursement programs, the truck has already generated more than $50,000 since entering service.
    “It’s an asset for the department, the community, the state and the federal system,” Dinger said. “It starts here.”
    Once the truck is fully paid for, reimbursement funds earned on deployments will be reinvested back into the all-volunteer department for future equipment and training.
    Cape said some people question whether a specialized wildland engine is necessary in northeastern South Dakota, but he believes the region’s fire risk says otherwise.
    “There’s a misconception that we don’t need it,” he said. “But the wildfire potential here is high.”
    For Hockenbrock, Brush 7 offers something no other vehicle in the fire hall can. “It’s the only truck in the building that can actually make money,” he said. Dinger added, “But most importantly, it’s another tool that helps us protect our community.”
    Whether responding to a grass fire near Britton or assisting on large wildfires across the region, firefighters say Brush 7 is already proving to be a valuable addition to the department.

From left, North Marshall Fire Chief Nate Dinger, Engine Boss Tyler Cape and firefighter Brett Hockenbrock stand with the department’s new Brush 7 wildland fire engine. The three firefighters helped guide the design and construction of the truck, which has already been deployed to multiple wildland fires across South Dakota.


 

]]> <![CDATA[SUMMER FEST SIZZLES]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5466,summer-fest-sizzles https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5466,summer-fest-sizzles Wed, 29 Jul 2026 07:02:00 -0500Langford Event Beats Heat, Storms
Langford play director Diane Hoines (seated) is honored during a special musical revue held Saturday evening during Summer Fest celebrating her 50th school play. Also pictured are fellow play director Susie Larson and former Langford Superintendent Monte Nipp. Friends, former cast members and colleagues gathered to share memories from Hoines’ decades career.

    Near record-breaking heat and a late-night thunderstorm or two couldn’t keep the crowds away as Langford celebrated its annual Summer Fest and Alumni Weekend July 24-26.
    With temperatures climbing into the mid- to upper 90s and heat index values reaching nearly 105 degrees, attendees braved some of the hottest weather of the summer to celebrate Langford’s 140th birthday, America’s 250th anniversary and another successful community festival.
    While Friday’s music with Kat Perkins started late and Saturday evening’s Dueling Pianos performance was cut short by a fast-moving storm, the weekend’s live entertainment remained one of the festival’s biggest draws.
    Earlier Saturday evening, the Langford Legion hosted a packed house for a special musical revue honoring longtime Langford play director Diane Hoines, who celebrated directing her 50th school play this past year. Friends, former cast members and colleagues shared memories from Hoines’ decades of involvement in community theater, while performers revisited songs from productions spanning her career.
    A variety of events kept festivalgoers busy throughout the weekend.
    The Langford Community Foundation’s Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament, hosted by Justin Deutch, crowned Troy Sattler as champion, followed by Ron Wegleitner in second and Marty Micko in third.
    One of the festival’s newest attractions, the Langford Puzzle Competition hosted by Tari Heitman, proved to be an instant success, drawing both first-time puzzlers and seasoned competitors. Team “We Thought This Was Bingo!” — Shelly Steiner, Ashley Fries, Kade Larson and Susie Larson — claimed first place with a time of 35:47. “Falling to Pieces” finished second in 42:33, while “Fit Happens” placed third in 54:33.
    The annual Golf Cart Poker Run attracted 66 participants. Organized by Kristi Stiklestad, the event featured host sites at the homes of Diane Lewandowski and Todd Wenz, Shelly and Paul Steiner, and Tim and Shari Schock. Cari Price took home the winning poker hand. 
    Classic cars and motorcycles lined the streets during the annual car show, with winners including: Chevy class — Pat Bladow, first, 1963 Nova; Jacob and Mindy Vander Vorst, second, 1969 Chevy Chevelle SS. Ford class — Bob Krueger, first, 1968 Mustang Fastback; Terry Haaland, second, 1955 Fairlane. Mopar class — Rick LaVay, first, 1970 Plymouth Road Runner; Kyle Wieszar, second, 1970 Plymouth Road Runner. Street Rods class — Mike Lynn, first, 1934 Ford three-window coupe; Mike Wiltfang, second, 1934 Plymouth all-steel coupe. 
    Antique class — Philip Overby, first, 1931 Ford Model A pickup; Don Gooding, second, 1929 Roadster Model A. Pickups — Mike and Gayle Hastings, first, 1958 Chevy Apache; Gage Burns, second, 1980 Chevy Scottsdale K10. Open class — Scott Egstrom, first, 1955 Studebaker; Scott Smith, second, 1947 Jeep Willys. Buick/Olds/Pontiac class — Rick and Bonnie Vander Vorst, first, 1956 Oldsmobile ‘88 Holiday; Anthony Kocher, second, 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Motorcycle class — Rick Vander Vorst, first, 1993 Honda Shadow; Jack Johnson, second, 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide. Jeremiah Hurst’s 2024 Toyota GR86 was selected as the People’s Choice winner.
    Check next week’s paper for tractor pull results. 

]]> <![CDATA[STORYBOOK LAND BRINGING PETE THE CAT TO AREA]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5465,storybook-land-bringing-pete-the-cat-to-area https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5465,storybook-land-bringing-pete-the-cat-to-area Wed, 29 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Area residents will have several opportunities to enjoy a free performance of “Pete the Cat” as Aberdeen’s Storybook Land Theatre takes its annual touring production to northea     Area residents will have several opportunities to enjoy a free performance of “Pete the Cat” as Aberdeen’s Storybook Land Theatre takes its annual touring production to northeastern South Dakota in August.
    The touring cast will perform at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the ballfield in Eden, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at the Park of the Pines in Langford, and 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, at the Veblen Community Center. The tour will also stop in Oakes, N.D., on Aug. 11. Make sure to bring a chair or a blanket to enjoy the show. 
    Based on the popular children’s book series by Kimberly and James Dean, Pete the Cat follows the adventures of the guitar-playing blue cat as he helps a young boy discover creativity and confidence through music, friendship and imagination.
    Now in its 38th season, Storybook Land Theatre is a program of Aberdeen Parks, Recreation and Forestry and is co-sponsored by Aberdeen Community Theatre’s Young People’s Theatre. The company has been taking its productions on the road since 2018, bringing free, family-friendly performances to communities throughout the region.
 

]]> <![CDATA[RHODEN TAKES COUNTY IN RUNOFF]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5468,rhoden-takes-county-in-runoff https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5468,rhoden-takes-county-in-runoff Tue, 28 Jul 2026 20:58:00 -0500Republican voters in Marshall County went to the polls Tuesday, July 28, for the South Dakota Republican gubernatorial runoff election, choosing between incumbent Gov. Larry Rhoden and challenger Toby Republican voters in Marshall County went to the polls Tuesday, July 28, for the South Dakota Republican gubernatorial runoff election, choosing between incumbent Gov. Larry Rhoden and challenger Toby Doeden. Only registered Republicans were eligible to vote.

The runoff was required after the June 2 Republican primary, in which Doeden finished first and Rhoden second. Because no candidate received the required 35% of the vote, the top two candidates advanced to the runoff election.

In Marshall County, Rhoden received 74.5% of the vote with 435 votes, while Doeden earned 25.5% with 149 votes.

The local results mirrored the statewide outcome, where Rhoden received the majority of the votes compared to Doeden (as of 9 p.m. Tuesday).

Voter turnout in Marshall County was 41.6%, with 585 of the county's registered Republican voters casting ballots. According to Marshall County Auditor Megan Biel, 95 ballots were cast through absentee and early voting.

Election results are considered unofficial until they are canvassed and certified.


 

]]> <![CDATA[JACKS CLAIM STATE CHAMPIONSHIP]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5464,jacks-claim-state-championship https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5464,jacks-claim-state-championship Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:12:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Britton grade 7-9 Lumberjacks baseball team came up with a dominant effort on the way to the state VFW Charlie Division state championship in Webster last weekend.&nbsp;&nb     The Britton grade 7-9 Lumberjacks baseball team came up with a dominant effort on the way to the state VFW Charlie Division state championship in Webster last weekend.
    The local nine outscored four foes by a combined total of 36-11 with no team able to come closer than five runs.  Britton stopped Salem 6-1 in the title game, bested Webster 12-7 in bracket play, and downed Letcher 8-3 and Mount Vernon-Plankinton 10-0 in pool play.
    Britton has now qualified for the Tournament of Champions scheduled for Aug. 8.  Details of the tournament will be published next week.
    “Congratulations to all the Lumberjack players, fans, parents and coaches,” said Britton coach BJ Richter.  “That was a well-deserved tournament victory. They played a perfectly executed championship game and deserve to celebrate.
    “Preston Kilker, Brandon Peters, Jacob Heitmann, Adam Suther, DuWayne Bosse -  those are the men who have coached these kids from the start. They have helped these guys navigate through some heartbreaks and a lot of joys.
    “Our parents, grandparents and fans are incredible,” added Richter.  “They travel all around the state to these tournaments and make them such great events. They’ve been there every year to give the hugs, wipe away the tears and keep us all well hydrated! It’s fun to be able to celebrate with you all.
    “Kelsi Heer continuously and reliably sets all of this up every year. She manages the difficult conversations, keeps her coaches on track, schedules all the games, organizes all the concessions, tickets, announcers, music, etc. The list is quite endless. Thank you for making it all work.
    “At the end of the day we are all hoping for a great experience,” concluded Richter.  “Winning and losing has its ways of working out but we Lumberjacks try to go together, move together and stay together. In the last 10 days we’ve experienced just about all this game has to offer; the entire range of emotions. There’s not a better group to do it with.”

Britton 6
Salem 1
    Britton took an early 1-0 lead in the second and boosted that to 5-0 to take charge with two-run rallies in the third and fifth frames.  Drew Heitmann went the distance on the mound, allowing just five hits and not walking a batter in seven innings, and his teammates backed him up with errorless play in the field.
    Levi Mills had a big game at the plate with three singles, Heitmann helped his own cause with a single and two RBI’s, and Liam Peters, Luke Bosse, and Isaac Richter laced safeties.

Britton 012 021 0 – 6 7 0
Salem  000 010 0 – 1 5 4
    Drew Heitmann and Luke Bosse; E. Meyer, B. Graff (3) and Graff

Britton 12
Webster 7
    Webster jumped out to a 2-0 first inning lead but the Jacks answered with back-to-back four-run outburst in the first and second innings and bumped the lead to a comfortable 12-2 after four innings.
    Britton came up with 12 hits, led by Joseph O’Brien with three base hits, Blayden Downs with a double, single, and three RBI’s, Max Suther with a double and single, and Heitmann with a pair of singles and two RBI’s.  Henry Kilker added a single and knocked in two runs, and Mills and Bosse both singled.
    Bosse picked up the pitching win and had relief help from Benjamin O’Brien and Mills.

SEE THIS WEEK'S JOURNAL FOR THE FULL RESULTS OR CALL 605-448-2281 TO BECOME AN ONLINE SUBSCRIBER. 
 

]]> <![CDATA[U10 SPORTSMANSHIP WINNERS]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5463,u10-sportsmanship-winners https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5463,u10-sportsmanship-winners Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:10:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Britton U10 baseball team left its mark on the VFW state tournament held in Beresford last weekend, finishing with two wins in bracket play and being named the winner of th     The Britton U10 baseball team left its mark on the VFW state tournament held in Beresford last weekend, finishing with two wins in bracket play and being named the winner of the Sportsmanship Award.
    In pool play the Junior Jacks dropped its opener to Montrose 9-3, fell to Clear Lake 8-3, and lost to Beresford 7-6, but came back in bracket play to stop Baltic 5-3 and Clark 5-4 to wrap up its season.
    “The boys played well this weekend,” said Coach Brandon Peters.  “We really only played two total bad innings of baseball, one in each of the first two pool play games, and two of our pool play teams ended up in the semifinals, Montrose and Beresford.  We ended the game against Beresford down one with the tying run standing on third.”
    The tournament format has the top two teams from each pool advancing to a bracket to play for the championship and the other two from each pool went to a bracket to play for ninth.
    “We beat two very good teams in bracket play and had stellar pitching performances in both games,” noted Peters.  “We ended the season against Clark who had bested us the previous three times this year, so it was good to get that monkey off of our back as well.
    “It is truly an honor to be part of a program that continues to accumulate sportsmanship awards,” Peters concluded.  “It is a great tribute to the players, parents, fans, coaches, and all community members.”

Montrose 9
Britton 3
    Britton jumped out to an early 1-0 lead after one inning but Montrose exploded for nine second inning runs on eight hits to take control.
    Tatum Deutsch laced a pair of singles and Kandrick Jones, Gage Beck, Gannon Peters, and Sam Richter each had base hits.  Deutsch, Isaac O’Brien, Peters, and Richter handled the mound duties.

Clear Lake 8
Britton 3
    Clear Lake used a pair of four-run innings to lead 8-0 in the third on the way to the win.
    Beck doubled, singled, and had two RBI’s to lead Britton at the plate.  O’Brien doubled, and Peters and Jones singled.  Beck started on the mound, fanning six, and Tyler Wurst and Richter pitched hitless relief in the fourth.

SEE THIS WEEK'S JOURNAL FOR THE FULL RESULTS OR CALL 605-448-2281 TO BECOME AN ONLINE SUBSCRIBER. 
 

]]> <![CDATA[BRITTON FALLS IN REGIONAL]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5462,britton-falls-in-regional https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5462,britton-falls-in-regional Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:08:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Britton Lumberjacks competed in the VFW Junior Legion Region 1B baseball tournament held in Webster last week Tuesday and Wednesday, posting an opening win but losing the n     The Britton Lumberjacks competed in the VFW Junior Legion Region 1B baseball tournament held in Webster last week Tuesday and Wednesday, posting an opening win but losing the next two games of the double elimination tournament.
    The Jacks rolled past Webster 11-3 in the opener, lost a 3-1 heartbreaker to Volga that would have put them in the title game, and were eliminated by Clark-Willow Lake 10-0 in a loser’s bracket contest.

Britton 11
Webster 3
    Britton came on strong in the late innings to roll past Webster, erasing a 3-1 deficit with single tallies in the fourth and fifth frames and then erupting for eight counters in the final two innings.
    Mitchell Burger had a big game at the plate for the Jacks, ripping a triple, double, and single and collecting four RBI’s.  Ben Suther and Chaz Vietor both added two safeties and two RBI’s, and Dylan Redler and Jack Teveldal had base hits.
    Lincoln Kilker went the distance on the mound, giving up just three hits and striking out nine in seven innings.

Britton   100 113 5 – 11 9 2
Webster 030 000 0 –   3 3 4
    Lincoln Kilker and Colton Chapin; J. Shoemaker, T. Acree (6), D. Carlson (7) and S. Schmieg

Volga 3
Britton 1
    Britton drew first blood with a run in the opening inning, but Volga answered with a tally in the first and two more in the second and neither club was able to plate a run the rest of the way.
    Colton Chapin had a pair of singles and Redler and Lofton Heer added safeties for the Jacks.  Kaden Mills went the distance on the mound.
 

SEE THIS WEEK'S JOURNAL FOR THE FULL RESULTS OR CALL 605-448-2281 TO BECOME AN ONLINE SUBSCRIBER. 
 

]]> <![CDATA[CLAREMONT NINES FINISH SEASONS]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5461,claremont-nines-finish-seasons https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5461,claremont-nines-finish-seasons Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:02:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Claremont Legion and junior high baseball teams wrapped up their seasons in postseason play last week.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Legion squad competed in the Region 1B tou     The Claremont Legion and junior high baseball teams wrapped up their seasons in postseason play last week.
    The Legion squad competed in the Region 1B tourney in Milbank, falling to Milbank 13-3 in game one of the double elimination event, downing Big Stone City 6-4, and was eliminated by Sisseton 12-4.  Groton won the regional title and will play in the state tourney in Madison this week.
    Claremont’s grade 7-9 team traveled to Gregory for the Delta Division VFW State Tournament, losing pool play games to Wessington Springs 8-6 and Gregory 17-4, falling in heartbreaker to Corsica-Stickney 4-3 in bracket play, and avenging its earlier loss to Wessington Springs with a 5-4 win in the fifth place game.

Legion Games
Milbank 13
Claremont 3
    Claremont jumped out to a three-run lead in the top of the first inning but Milbank scored in each inning and took advantage of nine Honker errors.
    Nate Schuller, Kassen Keough, and Case Reints each singled for Claremont.  Reints and Wes Morehouse were on the mound.

Claremont 300 00 –   3 3 9
Milbank    331 15 – 13 9 1
    Case Reints, Wes Morehouse (2) and Chris Cutler; Tyler Heinje, Aiden Kelly (1), Jaxson Wiese (3) and Kelly, Heinje (1)

Claremont 6
Big Stone City 4
    Claremont erased a 2-0 deficit with a four-run third and added single tallies in the fifth and sixth frames for the win.
    Grant Cutler was 3-3 at the plate with a double, two singles, and a pair of RBI’s.  Reints added a double, single, and two RBI’s, Chris Cutler doubled, and Schuller, Carter Glines, and Nick Cutler had safeties.  Keough went the distance on the mound, striking out six and allowing just one walk.

Big Stone City 200 100 1 – 4 8 5
Claremont        004 011 x – 6 9 4
    Kirby Olson and Ayden Nelson; Kassen Keough and Chris Cutler

SEE THIS WEEK'S JOURNAL FOR THE FULL RESULTS OR CALL 605-448-2281 TO BECOME AN ONLINE SUBSCRIBER. 

]]> <![CDATA[CUT IT OR KEEP IT?]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5460,cut-it-or-keep-it https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5460,cut-it-or-keep-it Wed, 22 Jul 2026 09:48:00 -0500&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Moms, what are we doing with our hair these days?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I’m convinced I’ve had exactly two hairstyles my entire life, and I just rotate between them like they’re pa     Moms, what are we doing with our hair these days?
    I’m convinced I’ve had exactly two hairstyles my entire life, and I just rotate between them like they’re part of a custody agreement. If someone pulled out my high school yearbook, I’m not even sure I’d look all that different. It’s either long hair with side bangs or a chin-length bob with bangs. That’s it. Those are the options. Apparently I’ve found my comfort zone and signed a lifelong lease.
    So, what are we doing as moms now?  Because I’m stuck in 2012 wishing choppy emo hair was still expectable in this generation. 
    I understand keeping it short when you have newborns because there’s simply less hair for tiny, surprisingly strong hands to yank on. But these days? I don’t really do much with mine anyway. If it’s long, 90% of the time it ends up in the classic messy millennial bun. You know the one. It somehow says, I gave up, but in an aesthetically acceptable way.
    Now I find myself debating whether I should cut the girls’ hair.
    It’s so long and beautiful. Before you have daughters, you picture yourself gently brushing their hair while they sit sweetly like little princesses in a Disney movie. Yeah… let’s let reality set in on that one.
    It’s more like chasing two wild raccoons that somehow learned how to sprint. The second they see the hairbrush, they take off screaming like I’ve announced broccoli for breakfast. By 8:00 a.m., my house sounds like a WWE championship match, and my nervous system has already clocked a full day’s work. 
    I struggle with this because I had long, long red hair until about first grade. Then, for my birthday, I told my mom I wanted a haircut. She let me make that choice, and for some reason I’ve always remembered that year. Haircut, ears pierced and Chucky Cheese birthday with my godmother. 
    I know my girls are only three, and realistically they probably couldn’t care less whether their hair is long or short. I’m the one washing it, brushing it, detangling it, and negotiating with tiny hostage-takers every single morning. Logically, it should be my decision.
    But it still feels like I’m taking that choice away from them. Maybe that sounds silly.
    I’ve always told myself that when my girls were old enough to have opinions about their hair, I wanted to honor them. If they want to dye it? Sure. If they want to cut it? Absolutely. If they decide they want a mohawk... mmm... okay, I guess. I reserve the right to silently question my life choices, but it’s still their hair.
    Maybe I’ll change my mind when they’re older. Parenting has a funny way of humbling every strong opinion you ever had.
    But hair feels personal. It’s such a big part of how we express ourselves and our identity. For some reason, that makes it feel a little off-limits for me to decide for them, even if they’re still too young to understand why.
    So now I’m torn between preserving the beautiful long hair everyone compliments… and preserving my sanity before the morning hairbrush battles officially qualify as a redneck sport.
    As for me? I’ll probably keep doing what I’ve always done in hopes the early 2000’s hair makes a comeback. 
 

]]> <![CDATA[NURSERY RHYME NIGHTMARES]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5459,nursery-rhyme-nightmares https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5459,nursery-rhyme-nightmares Wed, 22 Jul 2026 09:42:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;My children and their cousins love nursery rhymes. This is largely my mother’s doing as they often play the “ABCD game.” It’s a family tradition where you sing the alphabet to a certain ca   My children and their cousins love nursery rhymes. This is largely my mother’s doing as they often play the “ABCD game.” It’s a family tradition where you sing the alphabet to a certain cadence and then take turns reciting a nursery rhyme to that same tune. You have to keep the game going by picking a different nursery rhyme each turn, and if it’s your turn and you can’t think of one, you’re out (though Grandma doesn’t often kick too many people out).
    It’s one of those simple games that has become a staple around our family campfires. My 4-year-old daughter, Zephie, is especially good at it because she has a nursery rhyme storybook at home. She studies that book like she’s preparing for the biggest test of her life, proudly announcing that she’ll be ready for the next game. It’s pretty cute to watch.
    Even though I grew up with most of these nursery rhymes, every once in a while I stop and actually think about the words. Some of them are...odd. Others are downright dark. I got curious enough to do a little digging, and it turns out many of these familiar rhymes have some surprisingly interesting theories behind them. (Information from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and Time.com.)
    “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush,” first published in 1840, may have been inspired by women prisoners exercising around a mulberry tree at England’s Wakefield Prison. Another theory says it referred to Britain’s failed attempt to start a silk industry because silkworms feed on mulberry leaves. Neither explanation is quite as cheerful as the song itself.
    “Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary” has long been associated with Queen Mary I, better known as “Bloody Mary.” According to one interpretation, the “garden” represents England while the “silver bells” and “cockle shells” symbolize methods of persecution used during her reign. Historians debate whether that’s really the case, but it’s certainly a far cry from the innocent rhyme we learned as children.
    Then there’s “Humpty Dumpty.” Most of us picture a smiling egg perched on a wall, but the original rhyme never actually says Humpty was an egg. One popular theory suggests Humpty Dumpty was a massive cannon used during the English Civil War that fell from a church tower after enemy forces attacked the building.
    “Georgie Porgie” is widely believed to poke fun at Britain’s Prince Regent George IV, who was known for his large appetite and numerous romantic affairs. The references to pudding and pie may have been aimed at both his waistline and his reputation.
    “Baa Baa Black Sheep” may trace back to King Edward I’s wool tax in the 1200s. Historians believe the “three bags full” represented how wool profits were divided among the king, the church and the farmer. It’s amazing how taxes can even make their way into children’s songs.
    “Jack and Jill” also has a surprisingly tragic backstory. One legend claims the rhyme tells of an unmarried couple who secretly met on a hillside. Jill became pregnant, Jack died before the baby was born, and Jill later died in childbirth. Whether true or not, it’s certainly darker than two children fetching a pail of water.
    “Three Blind Mice” is another rhyme often connected to Queen Mary I. Some historians believe the three mice symbolize Protestant bishops who were executed during her reign. Thankfully, the version children sing today leaves out some of the much grislier lines found in older versions.
    “Old Mother Hubbard” may not have been about an elderly woman or her hungry dog at all. One theory says it referred to Cardinal Wolsey’s unsuccessful attempt to obtain an annulment for King Henry VIII so the king could marry Anne Boleyn. When Wolsey failed, he also lost the king’s favor.
    Perhaps the nursery rhyme with the most debated history is “Ring Around the Rosie.” Many people have heard that it describes the symptoms of the Black Plague—”rosie” for the rash, “a-tishoo” for sneezing and “we all fall down” representing death. Historians, however, say there’s little evidence connecting the rhyme to the plague, and many believe that explanation was invented centuries later. Like several of these rhymes, the real origin remains uncertain.
    Finally, there’s “London Bridge Is Falling Down.” The leading theory connects it to a Viking attack led by Olaf II around the year 1014, although historians still argue about whether that event even happened. Other theories suggest the rhyme simply reflects the bridge’s constant need for repairs over the centuries.
    Well kids, next time you sit around the campfire with grandma, I hope you enjoy your tales of prisons, cannons, taxes, kings, plagues and wars. It definitely gives those innocent little nursery rhymes a whole new meaning.
 

]]> <![CDATA[BACK TO BRITTON: GRAFF RETURNS TO CHILDHOOD HOME]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5456,back-to-britton-graff-returns-to-childhood-home https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5456,back-to-britton-graff-returns-to-childhood-home Wed, 22 Jul 2026 07:33:00 -0500Where Are They Now?
Leo William “Bill” Graff Jr. pauses at the South Dakota border during his recent trip back to his home state. Graff, a 1955 Britton High School graduate, now lives in California after a 40-year career as a history professor at Aquinas College in Michigan.

    For Leo William “Bill” Graff Jr., a recent stop in Britton wasn’t just another destination on a family road trip. It was a return to the town that shaped nearly every part of his childhood.
    Graff, who was born in Britton in 1937 and graduated from Britton High School in 1955, recently visited the community with his daughter, Mary Ashley, and granddaughter during a “back to our roots” trip. Now nearing his 89th birthday, Graff lives in California near Burbank after a 40-year career as a history professor at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Although life has taken him far from northeastern South Dakota, the memories of growing up in Britton remain vivid.
    “I’ve always thought it was a great place to grow up,” Graff said. “Everybody knew everybody. It was a friendly, hospitable place, and there was a real civic spirit.”
    Graff was the son of Dr. Leo W. Graff, a longtime physician who served the Britton area for more than three decades alongside Dr. E.M. Drissen and Dr. K.P. Currie. The three doctors rotated on-call duties and delivered generations of babies at the hospital that once occupied the building now known as the Continental Apartments.
    Growing up as a doctor’s son meant family life could be interrupted at any moment.
    “My dad would get called away from meals quite often,” Graff recalled. “Someone needed immediate attention.”
    The hospital also holds personal memories for the family. Graff and his three siblings — Mary, Jean and Paul — were all born there, and he remembers seeing his twin sisters in incubators on the building’s third floor.
    One of his earliest childhood memories dates to the closing days of World War II. Dr. Drissen kept maps on his office wall marking the movement of American forces overseas. “I remember the day the war ended,” Graff said. “They blew the town siren to announce the Japanese surrender.”
    Graff grew up at 104 Ninth Ave. with what he describes as the freedom that many children of his generation enjoyed. “We were free to roam around on our bikes,” he said.
    Friday nights often meant a trip to the Strand Theatre, where western stars Gene Autry and Hopalong Cassidy entertained young audiences. Weekends also brought bustling crowds to downtown Britton.
    “Friday and Saturday nights were busy because the farmers came to town,” he said. “There were a lot of people and cars on the streets. There was always something going on.”
    Like many teenagers, Graff held several jobs while growing up. He worked at a grocery store, helped carpenters, poured concrete and even worked with the U.S. Geological Survey helping map the area.
    His family also spent time at Clear Lake, where his father owned a cabin while Graff was in high school.
    “We had a boat, and we liked to fish,” he said.
    Some of Graff’s favorite childhood memories revolve around places that no longer exist or have changed dramatically over the decades. His school once stood where the current tennis courts are located. He learned to swim at the town’s old swimming pool and frequently visited the Carnegie Library.
    One fascination never faded during his childhood.
    “I loved trains,” Graff said. At the time, passenger trains still traveled between Britton and Brampton. Graff often visited the depot, where the station agent became a friend. “He’d let me get on the train and ride to Brampton and back,” Graff said with a smile.
    The people of Britton also left lasting impressions. Neighbor Roy Comstock introduced him to golf, while Howard Dakins and his wife gave him his first set of golf clubs. Teachers including second-grade instructor Cora Davis, Mrs. Hicks and high school principal and his baseball coach Robert “Bud” Pearson helped shape his school years.
    Baseball, Graff said, was a major part of community life. “I remember the whole community getting behind building the baseball field,” he said. “There was a lot of cooperation.”
    Among all his childhood memories, one simple story still stands out. He fondly remembers fishing trips with Alice Jones, the wife of attorney Newton Jones. “She used to take me fishing at Clear Lake and Red Iron,” Graff said. “We’d catch perch. Sometimes you didn’t even need a fishing pole.”
    After graduating from Britton High School in 1955, Graff attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, where his interest in history blossomed. That passion eventually led to a four-decade career teaching history at Aquinas College. During his career, he served as chair of the history department, received several summer fellowship grants and enjoyed educational travel opportunities with his family.
    Although he returned to Britton nearly every Christmas while his parents still lived here, visits became less frequent after they moved away following his father’s retirement in the late 1960s. He has returned for class reunions over the years, visited in 2022 and recently made another stop while traveling through the Midwest.
    Some changes were immediately noticeable on these recent visits. “The golf course was one of the first places I wanted to see,” Graff said. “The trees have grown up, the grass greens have matured, and I ran into some old friends there.”
    Main Street, he said, also looks much different than he remembers, with new buildings and the post office in a different location.
    Yet despite the passage of time, several things have remained constants.
    “I’m still impressed that Britton has a hospital and a theater,” he said. He and his family even took a tour of the Strand when here last week. 
    Today, Graff isn’t sure when he’ll make it back to Britton again. Much of his family now lives on the West Coast, although relatives in Minneapolis provided the opportunity to include Britton on this summer’s travels.    
    Whether or not another visit is in the cards, Graff said the lessons he learned growing up in a small town have stayed with him throughout his life. “It was a friendly place where people looked out for each other,” he said. “Those are things you don’t forget.”

Leo William “Bill” Graff Jr. returned to Britton recently as part of a “back to our roots” trip with his daughter and granddaughter. During his visit, Graff toured familiar places, including the Britton Country Club, where he was introduced to golf as a young man and recently reconnected with old memories and friends.

 

]]> <![CDATA[LANGFORD SUMMER FEST FRIDAY-SUNDAY]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5454,langford-summer-fest-friday-sunday https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5454,langford-summer-fest-friday-sunday Wed, 22 Jul 2026 07:32:00 -0500Special LHS Music Revue Saturday Evening     Langford will celebrate its annual Summer Fest and Alumni Weekend July 24-26 with a full schedule of activities for residents, alumni and visitors of all ages. This year’s celebration will also recognize Langford’s 140th anniversary.
    The weekend will kick off Friday, July 24, with a block party on Main Street under the tent from 5-7 p.m., along with a food truck. A golf cart poker run will follow at the park from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
    Friday evening will feature the Alumni Party with Kat Perkins on Main Street from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
    Saturday’s activities will begin with town-wide garage sales and the Summer Fest 5K Run/Walk at the park at 9 a.m. Additional Saturday activities include a Texas Hold’em tournament, tractor pull, raptor education, children’s activities, games, food trucks and more.
    A Patriotic Parade will take place Saturday at 3 p.m. The Shriner’s Bean Bag Tournament will begin at 4:30 p.m. at Remedy’s, and children’s activities, including a foam party and inflatables, will be held at the Legion Hall from 4-6 p.m.
    A highlight of Saturday evening will be the Langford High School Musical Review at 6:30 p.m. on the Main Street stage. The performance will feature songs from musicals performed in Langford High School plays over the years while honoring the director behind those productions and celebrating five decades of contributions. The event is designed as an audience participation celebration, with attendees invited to sing along. Admission is free, and those attending are encouraged to bring their own chairs.
    The evening will continue with an Alumni Party featuring Dueling Duo with Andy Gibson from 8-10:30 p.m. on Main Street.
    Sunday, July 26, will include a community church service at the Legion Hall at 10 a.m., food trucks from, a an outdoor vendor fair, and the Show ‘n Shine Car Show at the park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Live music from Retro Rockets will be held at the park from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with kids activities also planned.
    Follow on Facebook @Langford, SD for news and updates. 
 

]]> <![CDATA[REPUBLICANS VOTE IN RUNOFF TUESDAY]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5453,republicans-vote-in-runoff-tuesday https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5453,republicans-vote-in-runoff-tuesday Wed, 22 Jul 2026 07:30:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Republican voters in Marshall County will head to the polls Tuesday, July 28, for the Republican gubernatorial runoff election. Voters will choose between Larry Rhoden and Toby     Republican voters in Marshall County will head to the polls Tuesday, July 28, for the Republican gubernatorial runoff election. Voters will choose between Larry Rhoden and Toby Doeden. Only registered Republicans are eligible to vote.
    The runoff was triggered after the June 2 Republican primary, in which Doeden finished first and Rhoden second. Because no candidate received the required 35% of the vote, the top two advanced to the runoff.
    Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
Marshall County polling locations are: 
    NOTE: Voters who cast ballots at the Marshall County Community Building during the June primary should note that they will vote at the Britton Event Center for the runoff election.
    • Precincts A1, A2, A3: Britton Event Center, 1203 Third St., Britton (Britton City Wards 1, 2 and 3) 
    • Precinct A4: Langford American Legion, 303 Main St., Langford (Langford, Sisseton, Hickman and Newport townships) 
    • Precinct A5: Veblen City Hall, 115 N. Flick St., Veblen (Veblen, McKinley, LaBelle and Veblen townships) 
    • Precinct A6: Lake City Lutheran Church, 123 S. First St., Lake City (Lake City, Lake, Hamilton, Red Iron and Dumarce townships) 
    • Precinct A7: Eden Community Center, 302 Broadway Ave., Eden (Eden, Fort and Buffalo townships) 
    • Precincts A8, A9: Britton Event Center, 1203 Third St., Britton (Dayton, Newark, White, Stena, Miller, Victor, Pleasant Valley, Lowell, Waverly, Weston, Wismer and Nordland townships) 
    Voters needing assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act may contact the Marshall County Auditor’s Office at (605) 448-2401 before Election Day for information on polling place accessibility.
 

]]> <![CDATA[LOCALS LEND HANDS FOR LIBRARY SHELVES]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5450,locals-lend-hands-for-library-shelves https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5450,locals-lend-hands-for-library-shelves Wed, 22 Jul 2026 07:29:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Britton Public Library has some unique book storage possibilities. As the library collection continues to grow and some of the furnishings age, shelving has become one area     The Britton Public Library has some unique book storage possibilities. As the library collection continues to grow and some of the furnishings age, shelving has become one area in need of replacement.
    “We definitely needed new shelves,” said Library Director Sonya Lang.
    Library staff reached out to local resources to help accomplish that goal. In the children’s room, additional space was needed, and Ken Watkins stepped up to the challenge. The rolling floor shelves he created have become a popular feature for young library patrons. The shelves resemble treasure chests that children can roll around and explore while searching for books.
    “The kids love to roll them around and look through them,” said library staff.
    Older students also became involved in creating shelving that would benefit their younger peers. Britton-Hecla High School students built library shelves as part of Jennifer Carlson’s class.
    When the library needed a larger shelf, staff sought the help of the late Paul Bremmon, who was known for his ability to build almost anything. When health issues prevented Bremmon from finishing the project, his son Corey stepped in and recently completed the work. The finished product is a beautiful S-shaped shelf that is already filled with books.
    Library staff said the common thread throughout the projects was the opportunity to use local talent and craftsmanship.
    “You ultimately end up with a better quality project,” Lang noted.
    She added that she estimates the library saved thousands of dollars by using locally made shelving.
    The library staff invites folks to stop in the library, check out the shelves and even better, check out a good book.
 

]]> <![CDATA[MC COMMISSION: OVER $1 MILLION IN ASPHALT PATCHING COMPLETE]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5448,mc-commission-over-1-million-in-asphalt-patching-complete https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5448,mc-commission-over-1-million-in-asphalt-patching-complete Wed, 22 Jul 2026 07:28:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Marshall County Commission handled a variety of highway and zoning &nbsp;matters during its regular meeting Tuesday morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Highway Superintendent D     The Marshall County Commission handled a variety of highway and zoning  matters during its regular meeting Tuesday morning.
    Highway Superintendent Dustin Hofland reported that county crews have applied approximately $35,000 worth of gravel to county roads and spent about $1.06 million on asphalt patching projects covering approximately 44 miles throughout the county.
    The Wade Bridge project has been completed, with the final cost coming in at approximately $313,000. Hofland also updated commissioners on the Fort Sisseton road project, noting that estimates have come back at about $2.2 million. The county is currently waiting to hear what level of funding assistance the state may provide for the project.
    Commissioners approved a boring permit request from Lake Region Electric Association.
    Veteran’s Service Officer Dave Daberkow presented his quarterly report to commissioners. 
    The commission approved one-day liquor licenses for two upcoming dates for the Shrine Club at Fort Sisseton.
    Commissioners also approved having Cory Bremmon construct a handrail for the north entrance of the Marshall County Courthouse.
    A two-year pay increase was approved for Director of Equalization Katrina Johnson, moving her salary to $60,159. Commissioners later entered into executive session for contract negotiations, with no action taken afterward.
    State’s Attorney Victor Rapkoch also updated commissioners on recent law enforcement contract discussions.
    In zoning matters, the commission reviewed a recommendation regarding Rezone Ordinance No. 78 involving Roy View Country Club, LLC. Following discussion, a motion and roll call vote were held to make a recommendation to the County Commission.
    Several building permits were also approved, including requests from Todd Frerichs in Lake Township, Renae Rein in Buffalo Township, Ryan Furman in Miller Township and John Kroll in Lake Township, with a variance included for Kroll’s permit.
    Commissioners also discussed proposed clerical corrections to the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation section and the Lake-Front District section of the county zoning ordinance. A timeline for the changes will be presented at the next scheduled commission meeting on Aug. 4.
    A member of the public also attended the meeting to discuss a drainage-related letter that had been sent to township officials.

]]> <![CDATA[TAKING NOMINATIONS FOR 28TH ANNUAL HEART OF DAKOTA AWARDS]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5446,taking-nominations-for-28th-annual-heart-of-dakota-awards https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5446,taking-nominations-for-28th-annual-heart-of-dakota-awards Wed, 22 Jul 2026 07:24:00 -0500&nbsp; &nbsp; Nominations are now being taken for the 28th annual Heart of Dakota Awards. The awards, sponsored by The Marshall County Journal, the Britton Area Chamber and the Britton Area Foundation     Nominations are now being taken for the 28th annual Heart of Dakota Awards. The awards, sponsored by The Marshall County Journal, the Britton Area Chamber and the Britton Area Foundation, honor individuals, businesses, or groups/organizations from Marshall County and the surrounding area who contribute to their community or provide leadership.  Categories for nominations are Agribusiness, Community Involvement, Customer Service, and People’s Choice.
   The Agribusiness award is given to individuals or groups that are committed to stewardship as well as development and promotion of agriculture to enhance the community.  Community Involvement recognition is given to individuals or organizations that exhibit exceptional leadership performance in support of the community.
   Customer Service recognition goes to businesses or individuals who demonstrate exceptional performance in providing service, and the People’s Choice award is a special tribute to unsung individuals who have made a difference in the community through their caring efforts.
    Nominators are asked to fill out the online form at  https://forms.gle/LoEbfaCs2SKqreto7  with nominee contact info and the reason for the nomination.
   People can also email bshilenyjournal@gmail.com or mail nominations to The Marshall County Journal, PO Box 69, Britton, SD 57430.   Make sure to include the category of the nomination. The nomination deadline is August 17.
   Heart of Dakota winners will be featured in a story and honored at a reception in September.
   Following is a list of past Heart of Dakota winners:
    1999: People’s Choice – Cliff Olson; Community Involvement – LaVonne Jacobson; Customer Service – Cindy Bremmon (Quarve Drug), Thea Loy Pallansch.
    2000: People’s Choice – Leonard Eikamp; Community Involvement – Sonia Wolf; Customer Service – Sara Fisher; Agribusiness – Judy Gulleson.
    2001: People’s Choice – Mary Freudenthal; Community Involvement – Tom Farber; Customer Service – Patty Roehr; Agribusiness – Curt Jones, Jon Frohling.
    2002: People’s Choice – Marlene Sell; Community Involvement – Marshall County Ambulance Service, Eliza Jacobson; Customer Service – Roger Furman (Lee & Hanson); Agribusiness – Russ Buisker.
    2003: People’s Choice – Carol Grobe; Community Involvement – Paula Jensen; Customer Service – Randy Schilling; Agribusiness – Lorne Tilberg.
    2004: People’s Choice – Hugh Schilling; Community Involvement – Joan Anderson; Customer Service – Monty Liknes.
    2005: People’s Choice – Roger Tom; Community Involvement – Carol Jones; Customer Service – Ann Anderson, Mandy Carlson (Prairie Designs); Agribusiness – Arlie Bender Family.
    2006: People’s Choice – Marcia Forrester; Community Involvement – Marj Freudenthal; Customer Service – The Schott Family (Buhls); Agribusiness – Steve Dahlstrom.
    2007: People’s Choice – John Owen; Community Involvement – Don Kirkegaard; Customer Service – Terry Price.
    2008: People’s Choice – Kenny & Dorothy Stillson; Community Involvement – Greg & Virgie Schaaf; Customer Service – Karen Mikkelson; Agribusiness – Mike Forrester.
    2009: People’s Choice – Mary Zuehlke; Community Involvement – Ron Jarrett; Customer Service – Jack Clarke (Ken’s Food Fair).
    2010: People’s Choice – LeRon Knebel; Community Involvement – Scott Amundson; Customer Service – Dr. Scott Purintun.
    2011: People’s Choice – Diane Hoines; Community Involvement – Norman Carlson; Customer Service – Britton Public Library Staff (Peggy Satrang, Rhonda Hardina, Bonnie Henricks, Holly Wismer).
    2012: People’s Choice – Harlan Hilleson, Rose & Mike Kraft, Vollie Ann Williams; Community Involvement – Karen DeVine; Customer Service – Stephanie Brandt (Wellness Center).
    2013: People’s Choice – Cleo Symens; Community Involvement – Mike and Mary Dunn; Customer Service – Carol Anderson; Agribusiness – Owen Jones.
    2014: People’s Choice – Pat Renner; Community Involvement – DeLores Henehan; Customer Service – Keith Beck.
    2015: People’s Choice – Lori Buntrock; Community Involvement – Bryce & Marge Thoelke; Customer Service – Harland Peterson; Agribusiness – Upper Crow Creek Watershed District Board of Managers.
    2016: People’s Choice – Helen Eikamp; Community Involvement – Mark Nelson; Customer Service – Coleen Monson and Becky Wegleitner.
    2017: People’s Choice – Wanda Franzen; Community Involvement – Kari Feldhaus; Customer Service – Marshall County Pantry Shelf; Agribusiness – Former Britton Farmers Co-op and Wheat-Dumont Farmers Co-op Elevator Boards.
    2018: People’s Choice – Kay Friebel; Community Involvement – Cindy Hofland, Glenn & Sande Lehr; Customer Service – Elaine Steen.
    2019: People’s Choice – Virginia Anderson; Community Involvement – Lori Amerman, Sharon Tisher, Richard and Jill Johnson; Customer Service – Jeani Amacher and Kelsi Heer.
    2020: People’s Choice – Dale Elsen; Community Involvement – Claremont Summer Rec Baseball Committee; Customer Service – Kathy Wegleitner; Special Recognition (Community Heroes) – Marshall County Healthcare Center/Spruce Court and Wheatcrest Hills.
    2021: People’s Choice – Don Erickson and Don Heer; Community Involvement – Karole Chapin and Kim Roehr; Customer Service – Pam Lunzman and Bill & Jodi Meyer.
    2022: People’s Choice – Vicky Hoines and Shelly Steiner; Community Involvement – Rhonda Wade; Customer Service – Senior Nutrition (Gail Smith and Helen Nice); Agribusiness – Logan Smith.
    2023: People’s Choice – Cari Price; Community Involvement – Jill Zuehlke; Customer Service – Lisa Kann; Agribusiness – Keith, Kent and Karsen Holland (Holland Bros. Oil).
    2024: People’s Choice – Angie Olson, Linda and David Deutsch; Community Involvement – Kelsi Heer; Customer Service – Robyn Sporhase.
    2025: People’s Choice – Deb and Norman Mack; Community Involvement – Preston Kilker, B.J. Richter and Adam Suther; Customer Service – Jean Fagerland, Laura Kronbach; Agribusiness – Wayne Foote.

 

]]> <![CDATA[JACKS SECOND IN STATE TOURNEY]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5458,jacks-second-in-state-tourney https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5458,jacks-second-in-state-tourney Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:25:00 -0500In Region Tourney This Week     The Britton Lumberjacks lost an extra-inning 9-8 heartbreaker to Selby in the championship game of the state VFW Varsity Bravo Division Baseball Tournament held in Britton last weekend.
    The local nine went 3-0 in pool play with wins over Wessington Springs 12-0, Tri-County 7-6, and Gregory 4-2 to earn the number one seed.  Britton earned its championship berth with a 4-3 victory over Baltic in bracket play.
    The Jacks, now 18-6, opened play in the Region 6 Legion tournament in Webster yesterday (Tuesday) against Webster.  Regional play continues today (Wednesday) and Thursday
    “I’m incredibly proud of this team and the way they represented our community in earning the state tournament runner-up finish,” said Jacks’ coach BJ Richter.  “This group has grown tremendously over the past few years, and especially since last season. They’ve learned to play for one another. They’re competitive, but they also bring joy to the game. They want to succeed, but more importantly, they want success for each other.
    “They’ve treated one another well, trusted the process, and continued to believe in what we were building,” added Richter.  “That commitment and selflessness has made this a special season.
    “I also want to thank our community for the outstanding support throughout the year and especially during the state tournament. The atmosphere was electric and seeing so many people behind us meant a great deal not only to our coaches and players but to the other tournament teams as well. It was an event.”  

Selby 9
Britton 8
    Selby pushed across three runs in the seventh inning to knot the contest at 6-6 and force extra innings and then added three more in the eighth to get the win.
    Selby scored in the opening inning but Britton answered in the bottom of the frame to make it 1-1 and then exploded for four runs in the third to grab a 5-1 advantage.  Selby cut the margin to 5-3 in the fifth and Britton scored once for a 6-3 margin.  Neither team scored in the sixth to set up Selby’s late rally.  Selby appeared to take a 7-6 lead in the seventh but a runner left third early on a fly ball for the third out.
    Britton failed to score in the bottom of the seventh and Selby appeared to take charge with another three-run outburst in the eighth.  But with two outs Britton rallied with a pair of runs and had the tying run on second to make things exciting.
    Chaz Vietor doubled and singled and Mitchell Burger added a pair of safeties and two RBI’s.  Max Suther doubled, Lincoln Kilker singled and knocked in two runs, and Ben Suther, Colton Chapin, and Lofton Heer singled.

Britton 4
Baltic 3
    Baltic led 3-0 after two innings but Britton came up with two-run innings in the third and fifth to get the win.
    Ben Suther had a pair of singles, Heer doubled, and Chapin singled for 
Britton, which was out-hit by Baltic 6-4.  Ben Suther earned the pitching win, fanning 11 batters in five innings, and Kaden Mills pitched two innings of hitless relief, striking out three.

Britton 12
Wessington Springs 0
    Britton jumped out to an 11-0 lead after two innings and cruised past Wessington Springs in the opening game of pool play.
    Ben Suther doubled and singled and Max Suther laced two singles to lead Britton’s eight-hit attack.  Kilker doubled, Will Richter singled and had four RBI’s, and Burger and Chapin singled.
    Vietor started on the mound and allowed just two hits while fanning four in two and two-thirds innings.  Emmett Symens pitched the final inning and a third and didn’t allow a hit.

Britton 7
Tri-County 6
    Britton scored four in the first inning and led 7-2 in the third before Tri-
County rallied with four runs in the bottom of the third inning for the final 7-6 margin in the four-inning affair.
    The local nine was out-hit 9-8 but played errorless ball in the field.  Ben Suther, Richter, and Jack Teveldal each laced a pair of singles, and Dylan Redler and Max Suther rapped safeties.  Burger started on the mound and earned the win with relief help from Heitmann and Mills.

Britton 4
Gregory 2
    Britton scored four runs in the final inning to erase a 2-0 deficit and get past Gregory.
    Ben Suther, Burger, Richter, Teveldal, Vietor, Max Suther, and Heitmann each singled.  Redler started on the mound and allowed just two hits in three and a third innings, striking out three.  Symens and Mills came on in relief, and the local nine played errorless ball in the field.

FOR FULL STATS, SEE THIS WEEK'S JOURNAL. 
 

]]> <![CDATA[SHOOTERS NATIONAL CHAMPS]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5457,shooters-national-champs https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5457,shooters-national-champs Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:21:00 -0500Austin Crawford Wins Individual Crown By Anissa Crawford
Contributing Writer

    The Marshall County 4-H Sharpshooters sent two air rifle teams to the Daisy National Championships in Rogers, AR, and came home with a championship trophy.
    Team 1 consisted of Austin Crawford, Amelia Crawford, Chris Cutler, and Alivia Crawford. Team 2 included Nick Cutler, Ariana Crawford, Rhyker Bender, and Skylar Bender.
    Team 1 brought its best with a total score of 2,167 and 66 centers, landing them a first place win that was 73 points better than the second place team.  Alivia came in eighth place out of 125 shooters with a score of 529-13. Chris shot his top score of 535-14, taking fifth. Amelia shot a 544-13 which put her in third place. Austin shot an amazing 559-26 to take the overall individual title.  He was third in prone with a 194 and 11 centers and was first in kneeling with a 196 and 12 centers.
    Team 2 had an excellent showing with Nick shooting a 516-11, Ariana a 480-8, Rhyker a 455-7, and Skylar a 452-4. The team total was 1,903 and 30 centers, earning the team a 14th place out of 22 teams. 
    All of the Team 1 members finished among the top eight individuals and earned the right to compete in a shoot-out with the top 10 shooters, which was a separate competition.  They shot 10 shots from the standing position, getting one minute per shot. Austin placed fifth, Chris came in sixth, Amelia seventh, and Alivia ninth.
 

]]> <![CDATA[TRAPSHOOTERS PLACE 19TH IN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5455,trapshooters-place-19th-in-national-championship https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5455,trapshooters-place-19th-in-national-championship Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:17:00 -0500By Tonya HarmonContributing Writer&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Britton-Hecla and Langford Area High School trap team capped off an outstanding season with an impressive showing at the USA Clay Target L By Tonya Harmon
Contributing Writer

    The Britton-Hecla and Langford Area High School trap team capped off an outstanding season with an impressive showing at the USA Clay Target League High School National Championship in Mason, MI, competing against approximately 1,800 of the nation’s top high school trap shooters.
    The team qualified for the National Championship Finals after posting a score of 466 during team qualifying, finishing 53rd overall to earn a spot among the top 80 teams in the nation. In the finals, the team improved its score to 478, finishing an outstanding 19th in the nation.
    The championship also featured several impressive individual milestones. Dylan Harmon fired a remarkable 100 straight, Hunter Jensen recorded 75 straight, Camden Dinger shot 50 straight, and both Talon Dinger and Abel Henning each recorded 25 straight during the competition.
    Three local shooters advanced to the individual finals after qualifying among the top 400 shooters in the nation.
    Harmon closed out his high school trap shooting career in spectacular fashion by shooting a perfect 100 straight in the individual finals, earning a ninth place finish after a shoot-off with 15 other 100 straights. His flawless performance placed him among the elite trap shooters in the country and marked an incredible ending to his high school career.
    Jensen also had an exceptional tournament, finishing 57th nationally with a score of 98, while Camden Dinger earned 244th place with a score of 95.
    The team’s success was the result of months of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. Along with the individual finalists, Talon Dinger and Abel Henning proudly represented Britton-Hecla and Langford Area on the national stage and contributed to the team’s outstanding performance.
    A special thank you goes to the team’s coaching staff - Dennis Nelson, Dana Vorachek, Levi Dinger, and Corey Dawson - for the countless hours they devoted throughout the season. Their leadership, encouragement, and commitment to developing these student-athletes played a vital role in the team’s success on the national stage.
    The team would also like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to the parents, volunteers, sponsors, and the many surrounding communities whose unwavering support made this season possible. From fundraising efforts and donations to words of encouragement and cheering from the sidelines, your generosity and support have been instrumental in the success of this program. Without your continued support, opportunities like competing on the national stage would not be possible.
    With a Top-20 team finish, an individual Top-10 national finisher, and multiple athletes achieving impressive straight-run milestones, the Britton-Hecla and Langford Area trap team has much to celebrate. The athletes represented their schools and communities with pride, sportsmanship, and determination, creating memories and accomplishments that will last a lifetime.
 

]]> <![CDATA[BRITTON U12 SPORTSMANSHIP WINNER]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5452,britton-u12-sportsmanship-winner https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5452,britton-u12-sportsmanship-winner Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:14:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Britton U12 Junior Jacks baseball team wrapped up its season with a win at the state tournament last weekend and was selected as the Benton Howe Sportsmanship Award winner     The Britton U12 Junior Jacks baseball team wrapped up its season with a win at the state tournament last weekend and was selected as the Benton Howe Sportsmanship Award winner from among the state tournament teams.
    Britton rolled past Dell Rapids 15-2 in pool play at the state tourney to get a win in five state outings and also wrapped up its regular season with an 8-7 win and a 7-7 tie with Webster while dropping a twin bill to Groton.

Groton 13-4
Britton 3-3
    Groton used some big first innings to earn the sweep, pushing across five tallies in the opening frame of the first game and four in the nightcap.
    Crue Jone doubled in the first contest and Colton Biel, Mark Folkman, and Wynn Mattson singled.  Weston Hastings and Biel handled the mound duties.
    In game two Mattson and Gage Beck both doubled and Jones singled.  Archer Easthouse went the distance on the mound and struck out nine.

Britton 7-8
Webster 7-7
    Webster scored a run in the final inning of the opener to force a tie and Britton earned a walk-off win in game two with a pair of runs in the bottom of the last frame.
    Biel and Mattson each hit a pair of singles in game one and Jones, Easthouse, and Hastings singled.  Hastings and Easthouse were on the mound and both struck out five.
    Biel singled twice in the second contest, Reeve Knecht doubled, and Beck, Easthouse, and Mattson laced safeties.  Knecht pitched the first two innings, striking out four, and Corwyn Eye hurled the final three frames, fanning five.

State Tournament
Flandreau 13
Britton 0
    Flandreau jumped out to a 13-0 lead after two innings and limited Britton to just one hit in the first round of pool play.
    Biel came up with a single and Eye was on the mound.

Britton 15
Dell Rapids 2
    Britton scored in every inning to roll past Dell Rapids in the second round of pool play.
    Knecht laced three singles, Reeve Mattson rapped two singles and knocked in a pair of runs, Easthouse singled and had three RBI’s, Folkman singled with two RBI’s, and Biel and Hastings had base hits.  Easthouse, Hastings, and Biel shared mound duties and combined for five strikeouts with Easthouse getting the pitching win.

Bruce 20
Britton 2
    Britton was out-hit 18-3 in the third round of pool play, falling victim to an 11-run second inning.
    Jones, Easthouse, and Hezekiah O’Brien each singled.  Knecht, Folkman, and Mattson were on the mound.

Volga 18
Britton 7
    Volga broke open a 4-2 game with 10 runs in the third inning in the first bracket game.
    Biel singled twice and had two RBI’s, Mattson doubled, Eye singled and knocked in a pair of runs, and Jones, Easthouse, and Knecht each singled.  Easthouse struck out five in two and a third innings and was relieved by Hastings.

Baltic 15
Britton 4
    Baltic jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the first inning and put the game away with a seven-run fourth in second round bracket play.
    Britton had five extra-base hits, led by Jones with a triple and double and Easthouse with a double and single.  Hastings singled twice, Mattson and Folkman both added doubles, and Biel, O’Brien, and Folkman singled.  Biel hurled the first three innings, fanning four, and O’Brien came on in relief.
 

]]> <![CDATA[HONKERS SET FOR POSTSEASON PLAY]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5451,honkers-set-for-postseason-play https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5451,honkers-set-for-postseason-play Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:11:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Claremont Legion baseball squad picked up three wins and the junior high added another in the past week to tune up for postseason tournament play this week.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbs     The Claremont Legion baseball squad picked up three wins and the junior high added another in the past week to tune up for postseason tournament play this week.
    The Legion nine swept Leola-Frederick 9-4 and 14-7 last week Monday and rolled past the Warner-Ipswich-Northwestern (WIN) JV squad 12-2 last week Tuesday.  Claremont’s junior high unit blanked WIN 8-0 in the nightcap last week Tuesday and fell to Webster 11-1 in a makeup contest last week Wednesday.
    Claremont met Milbank in opening round play of the Legion regional tourney in Milbank yesterday (Tuesday) and regional action continues today (Wednesday) and Thursday with the first championship game of the double elimination event at 2 p.m. Thursday with a second title matchup, if necessary, to follow.  Big Stone City, Groton, and Sisseton round out the field.
    The junior high squad will play in the VFW Delta Division State Tournament in Gregory Friday through Sunday.  The Honkers will meet Wessington Springs at 12:30 p.m. and Gregory at 3:30 p.m. on Friday in pool play with bracket play set for Saturday and Sunday.  Other teams in the field are Corsica-Stickney, Miller, and Kimball-White Lake.
    Claremont’s JV Legion squad will also compete in Region 1B tournament play in Sisseton Monday through Wednesday next week.  Groton and Big Stone City open play at 5 p.m. followed by Claremont against Sisseton.  The championship game will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday with a final game, if necessary in the double elimination tourney, to follow.

Claremont 9-14
Leola-Frederick 4-7
    Big first innings propelled Claremont to a doubleheader sweep over Leola-Frederick as the Honkers pushed across six tallies in the opening frame of the first contest and exploded for 12 in the nightcap.
    Wes Morehouse laced a pair of singles, Case Reints and Rennan Bruns both doubled, and Kassen Keough singled in the opener.  Nate Schuller went the distance on the mound for the Honkers, allowing just six hits and walking only one.
    In game two Keough doubled and singled, and Reints, Carter Glines, and Bruns each singled.  Morehouse pitched a complete game and earned the win.
Claremont 12-8
WIN 2-0
    Claremont broke open a 6-2 game with six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning of the first game and used another six-run explosion in the fourth frame of the nightcap to earn the sweep.
    Chris Cutler went 4-4 at the plate with a triple, double, and two singles and collected for RBI’s for the Honkers in game one.  Reints added two singles and three RBI’s, Morehouse singled twice, and Schuller and Keough both singled.  Reints pitched the first five innings and fanned 10 and the Honkers backed him up with errorless play in the field.
    In game two Schuller and Dawson Feist both laced a pair of singles, Glines and Nick Cutler both ripped doubles, and Chris Cutler, Reints, and Ryker Bruns all singled.  Nick Cutler pitched a two-hit shutout, striking out two and walking just two, and the Honkers did not commit an error.    

Webster JH 11
Claremont 1
    Webster  broke open a 1-0 contest with seven fourth inning runs on the way to its win over Claremont.
    Case Reints led off the game with a triple but Isaac Ogren’s single later in the contest were Claremont’s only hits.  Thirteen walks and four errors proved costly for the Honkers.

FOR FULL STATS, SEE THIS WEEK'S JOURNAL 
 

]]> <![CDATA[U10 STATE-BOUND]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5449,u10-state-bound https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5449,u10-state-bound Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:09:00 -0500The Britton U10 baseball team split a twin bill with Milbank Red last week Tuesday, winning the opener 11-5 but falling in the nightcap 7-5, in final regular season action and will travel to Beresford The Britton U10 baseball team split a twin bill with Milbank Red last week Tuesday, winning the opener 11-5 but falling in the nightcap 7-5, in final regular season action and will travel to Beresford this weekend for state tournament play.
    Britton will tangle with Montrose at noon and Clear Lake at 6 p.m. on Friday and then battle Beresford at noon on Saturday in state tournament pool play.  Bracket play will continue on Saturday and Sunday.
Britton 11-5
Milbank 5-7
    Britton led 6-5 after two innings of the opener and put the game away with a five-run third, while Milbank came up with a walk-off two-run double in the final frame of the nightcap to earn the split.
    Tatum Deutsch slammed a three-run homer and two singles and collected five RBI’s to lead Britton’s attack.  Gage Beck added a pair of singles and two RBI’s, Gannon Peters tripled, and James Raabe and Rylan Bremmon had base hits.  Oliver Suther and Kandrick Jones teamed up on the mound with Suther fanning four and picking up the win.
    In game two Milbank erased a 2-0 deficit with five runs in the bottom of the first but Britton tied the game at 5-5 with two tallies in the second and another in the top of the fourth.  Deutsch doubled and singled and knocked in three runs, Beck doubled, and Jones, Sam Richter, Tyler Wurst, and Brek Stelzer singled as Britton out-hit Milbank 7-4.  Four Britton pitchers combined for seven strikeouts.
 

]]> <![CDATA[SWIMMERS IN MILBANK]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5447,swimmers-in-milbank https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5447,swimmers-in-milbank Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:04:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A total of 32 Britton swimmers competed at a meet in Milbank on Thursday with a number of event winners.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Claiming event titles were Laney Ahlgren, 25 fre     A total of 32 Britton swimmers competed at a meet in Milbank on Thursday with a number of event winners.
    Claiming event titles were Laney Ahlgren, 25 free and 25 back; Emily Christenson, 25 free; Layla Landreth, 25 free; Logan Landreth, 50 and 100 free; James Raabe, 25 free and 25 back;  Becket Rapkoch, 25 free and 50 breast; Faustina Rapkoch, 100 free; Rosalyn Rapkoch, 50 fly; Ariyah Sasker, 25 back; and Corven Schmieg, 25 free.
    The local swimmes will wrap up their season at the Season Championships in Watertown Aug. 1-2.

Britton Results
    Laney Ahlgren (11-12): 1. 25 free, 19.71 1. 25 back, 25.73 11. 50 fly, 59.96 18. 50 free, 44.93
    Emily Christenson (7-8): 1. 25 free, 26.32 2. 50 back, 1:07.74 3. 50 free, 59.39 4. 25 back, 32.09
    Katelyn Christenson (6 & under): 3. 25 free, 43.72
    Emersyn Eimers (11-12): 6. 100 free, 1:25.06 7. 50 free, 35.77 7. 50 back, 46.54 10. 50 breast, 51.81
    Emsley Eimers (9-10): 2. 25 free, 22.36 2. 25 back, 31.67 6. 50 breast, 1:03.28 6. 50 breast, 1:03.28
    Layla Landreth (9-10): 1. 25 free, 19.68 2. 50 breast, 52.63 4. 50 back, 54.45 8. 50 free, 46.40
    Logan Landreth (7-8): 1. 50 free, 44.65 1. 100 free 1:48.08 4. 25 back, 29.68
    Aleece Patterson (11-12): 2. 25 free, 22.01 4. 50 breast, 48.83 14. 100 free, 1:53.43 20. 50 free, 49.80
    Brynlee Peters (7-8): 5. 25 free, 31.72 5. 50 back, 1:20.65 7. 25 back, 38.55 9. 50 free, 31.72
    Brees Phillips (9-10): 3. 25 free, 25.17 6. 50 back, 1:04.62 11. 50 free, 56.65
    Gray Phillips (6 & under): 2. 25 back, 39.31 5. 25 free, 45.17
    Sage Phillips (11-12): 5. 100 free, 1:24.60 6. 50 back, 45.54 8. 50 fly, 49.65 8. 50 free, 36.06
    James Raabe (9-10): 1. 25 free, 22.58 1. 25 back, 31.99 3. 50 breast, 1:01.96 5. 50 free, 53.30
    Leah Rabenberg (6 & under): 2. 25 free, 43.19 8. 25 back, 1:06.06
    Becket     Rapkoch (7-8): 1. 25 free, 22.04 1. 50 breast, 1:03.57 2. 100 free, 1:56.75 3. 25 back, 29.06
    Faustina Rapkoch (11-12): 1. 100 free, 1:16.73 2. 50 free, 32.14 2. 50 back, 40.22 2. 100 back, 1:34.31
    Rosalyn Rapkoch (11-12): 1. 50 fly, 41.10 2. 100 free, 1:20.84 3. 50 free, 33.15 3. 50 breast, 45.34
    Sienna Rapkoch (6 & under): 4. 25 back, 43.25 6. 25 free, 45.89
    Zelie Rapkoch (7-8): 9. 25 free, 39.57 10. 50 free, 1:33.30 10. 25 back, 44.66
    Ariyah Sasker (9-10): 1. 25 back, 31.10 9. 50 back, 1:13.43 10. 50 breast, 1:14.22 13. 50 free, 1:04.83
    Avery Sasker (6 & under): 5. 25 back, 45.54 7. 25 free, 46.52
Ayla Sasker (11-12): 7. 50 breast, 49.67 9. 100 free, 1:30.37 10. 50 back, 47.49 13. 50 free, 39.19
    Elaina Schamber (11-12): 4. 25 free, 38.39 13. 50 breast, 1:18.69
    Breven Schmieg (11-12): 4. 50 back, 46.06 4. 50 breast, 46.93 6. 50 free, 33.69 6. 50 fly, 55.49
    Corven Schmieg (11-12): 1. 25 free, 20.92 6. 50 back, 51.01 10. 50 free, 50.97
    Izzy Stiegelmeier (11-12): 3. 25 free, 23.60 13. 50 back, 1:02.73 13. 50 fly, 1:02.73 21. 50 free, 56.82
    Taylor Brooks (9-10): 2. 25 free, 25.21 2. 25 back, 32.59 5. 50 breast, 1:28.92 6. 50 free, 57.92
    Cassie Taylor (6 & under): 4. 25 free, 43.84 6. 25 back, 45.97
    Gabrielle Taylor (13-14): 2. 100 breast, 1:48.33 4. 50 free, 36.14 5. 100 free, 1:25.77
    Maggie Taylor  (11-12): 4. 50 free, 34.03 5. 50 fly, 46.36 8. 100 free, 1:25.36 9. 50 back, 47.06
    Laken Tosse (11-12): 11. 50 back, 52.89 11. 50 breast, 56.79 12. 50 fly, 1:12.14 17. 50 free, 42.52
    Clara Trautner (7-8): 6. 25 back, 37.15 7. 25 free, 32.24 7. 50 free, 1:15.44
              

]]> <![CDATA[BAND AIDS AND LIFE AND DEATH]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5445,band-aids-and-life-and-death https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5445,band-aids-and-life-and-death Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:37:00 -0500&nbsp;My 4-year-old is having the summer of her life. She’s home with Dad, spends as much time as possible at the pool or the beach, and is sporting a pretty impressive tan.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I’m  My 4-year-old is having the summer of her life. She’s home with Dad, spends as much time as possible at the pool or the beach, and is sporting a pretty impressive tan.
    I’m not jealous at all.
    She is an absolute firecracker. Just in the last week, she’s gone from being the sweetest little thing, smiling, cuddling and constantly telling me she loves me, to transforming into a miniature tornado determined to antagonize her brother and scream at the top of her lungs whenever we tell her to stop. There really doesn’t seem to be much middle ground.
    She does make me laugh every single day.
    Like many kids, she’s absolutely addicted to Band Aids. A Band Aid is an instant cure all. Stick one on and, voilà, completely healed.
    The other day she had the tiniest scrape imaginable and was convinced she needed a Band Aid immediately. She was limping dramatically around the car and insisted someone carry her.
    And honestly, every situation requires a Band Aid.
    Fall off the bike and scrape your knee? Band Aid.
    Notice a tiny dot of what may or may not even be blood? Band Aid.
    Find a week old bruise? Believe it or not, Band Aid.
    My mom bought the kids a giant assorted decorative tin of Band Aids. I hate that box. It’s like one of those confetti poppers. The second you open it, Band Aids explode across my bathroom or living room floor.
    Zephie, of course, loves it. So many colors. So many sizes. So many choices.
    I hid it for a while, but she always found it. My sister in law confirmed the exact same thing happens with the identical box at her house with her four kids, so apparently this is just part of the parenting experience.
    Zephie is also pretty smart. Maybe a little too smart.
    Now, I know every parent says that, but my little blonde haired, blue eyed girl is smart, almost to the point of being a smart aleck.
    Lately she’s started to understand the concepts of time and, unfortunately, life and death.
    Like most kids, she’s obsessed with birthdays and constantly wants to know when hers is. But she’s also figured out that she’s young and other people are not.
    For example, she knows my Grandpa Marvin turns 99 next month. She loves Grandpa Marvin, but because she understands how old he is, she frequently reminds us that “Grandpa Marvin is going to die soon.”
    And when I say frequently, I mean everyone gets reminded. My mom has had to gently confirm more than once that, yes, someday Grandpa Marvin will die.
    Then Zephie moves right down the age list. Grandma? She’ll die someday too, but not quite as soon as Grandpa Marvin.
    Apparently she’s got us all on a timeline. She even understands that her parents aren’t exactly spring chickens anymore.
    The other day, for what felt like the millionth time this summer, I was begging the kids to pick up after themselves. Put the dishes in the sink. Throw away the wrappers. Clean up the toys. I finished my speech by saying something about Mom getting tired of picking up after everyone.
    Without missing a beat, the 4-year-old chimed in.
“Me and Jackson need to learn to clean up because Mom and Dad are going to die and we’ll have to do it.” Well, I guess that’s one way to look at it.
    If that line gets even one fruit snack wrapper into the garbage, I’ll take it.
    Life with little Zephie is a constant mix of joy, frustration and mild panic. So far this summer we haven’t misplaced her for any extended period of time, which feels like a victory.
    But there’s still a month left.

]]> <![CDATA[THE GREAT HAIRCUT DISASTER OF SUMMER 2026]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5444,the-great-haircut-disaster-of-summer-2026 https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5444,the-great-haircut-disaster-of-summer-2026 Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:34:00 -0500&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;I’m not really sure what to write about this week. Things have happened, don’t get me wrong, but nothing seems interesting enough to keep your attention.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Baby     I’m not really sure what to write about this week. Things have happened, don’t get me wrong, but nothing seems interesting enough to keep your attention.
    Baby appointments are definitely adding up. I failed the first glucose test, so I had to go back for the lovely three-hour version. Thankfully, everything turned out just fine.
    We also got kittens! I’ve been needing a mama barn cat, so I stopped by my Aunt Julie’s last week. Apparently, my nesting instincts kicked in hard because I came home with more kittens than I probably needed. (Is there really such a thing as too many kittens? Don’t answer that dad.)
    I’m also not enjoying this heat, and my girls are pretty mad at me for keeping them inside on ninety-degree days. I’m fairly certain I’ve watched Frozen at least seven times this week just to keep them from staging a full-blown mutiny. At this point, I know every word to “Let It Go,” and honestly… I’m considering taking Elsa’s advice.
    But probably the craziest thing that happened this week was the haircut I gave my husband.
    I messed up.
    Like… “Oh, frick!” out loud kind of messed up.
    I usually cut his hair because he wears ball caps and winter hats all the time, so you never really see it anyway. This time, though, for whatever reason, I wasn’t paying attention. I forgot to put the guard on the clippers, and with the very first pass... he was bald. Right down to the skin.
    CUE THE PANIC!
    I tried to even everything out as much as I could, but there was absolutely no hiding this disaster. I felt horrible. And my husband? He’s just way too sweet. Like, I seriously do not deserve this man kind of sweet.
    He looked in the mirror and started laughing. “It’s no big deal, hun. Hair grows back.” Meanwhile, I was frantically trying to come up with believable stories he could tell people.
    Blame the kids? Too mean. A freak shaving accident? Maybe. Had surgery and needed part of his head shaved? That would’ve required me to draw on a scar, and I’m not that committed to the bit.
    Instead, he threw on his beanie and called it good. I, however, could not stop thinking about it for days. I was about ready to call Angie for an emergency rescue appointment, but he just shrugged it off and laughed about it with everyone at work.
    Whenever residents asked why he was wearing a winter hat in the middle of July, he’d take his hat off and simply say, “My wife gave me a haircut.” Instant laughter. Every single time.
    Well, this week he has a work class in Wahpeton, and we couldn’t exactly send him to a professional business class looking like he’d lost a fight with a lawn mower. Wearing a beanie all day probably wouldn’t make the best first impression.
    So last night he asked me for a Peaky Blinders haircut. I panicked. “I’m going to make this worse, dude!” He just smiled and said, “You got this.”
    This boy has way too much trust in me.
    So I watched a couple of YouTube videos, took a deep breath, and gave it another shot. Thank goodness! It turned out so much better. Not perfect by any means, and I’m sure somebody will still ask where he got his five-dollar haircut. But at least now it looks intentional and I could finally breathe again.
    Crisis averted. My confidence has been partially restored... although it’ll probably be a long, long time before I volunteer to cut his hair again. Or at the very least, I’ll make sure the guard is actually on the clippers first.
    Thanks for putting up with me, hun! You’re an absolute trooper. Most husbands would have confiscated the clippers after that first haircut, but somehow you still trusted me enough to let me try again. I’m still not sure if that’s true love or just poor judgment.
    I’m so proud of you for taking this workshop class. I know you’re going to learn a lot, meet some great people, and do amazing things. And if anyone asks about your haircut, just remember, you’ve got a built-in conversation starter. 
    Either way, I promise to stick to baking cookies for a while... and maybe leave the hair to the professionals. Love you!
 

]]> <![CDATA[NOT YOUR AVERAGE SUMMER BREAK]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5434,not-your-average-summer-break https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5434,not-your-average-summer-break Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:05:00 -0500Chapin Part Of Prestigious Program     For most high school students, spending four weeks of summer break in a college laboratory might not sound like a dream vacation. But for Britton-Hecla student Carter Chapin, the opportunity to conduct medical research alongside university professors and doctoral students only confirmed that healthcare is where he wants to spend his future.
    Chapin, who is the son of Joyce and Chad Chapin and will be a senior at Britton-Hecla High School this fall, was one of just 50 students accepted into the 2026 North Dakota Governor’s School, a prestigious academic residential program held at North Dakota State University. Even more selective, Chapin was one of only five students chosen for the program’s Health Science pathway, sponsored by Essentia Health.
    The state-legislated program brings together North Dakota’s top high school students every other summer for four weeks of intensive study in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health sciences. Chapin’s journey began during his sophomore year while taking a psychology college course through NDSU, when a professor encouraged him to apply.
    “I applied in January, and then I learned I got accepted in March,” Chapin said, who was eligible for the program as he lives right over the border in North Dakota. 
    Although honored by the opportunity, he admitted he wasn’t immediately convinced.
    “I was hesitant,” he said. “I didn’t want to leave for four weeks. That’s a big commitment, and I like staying around here working at the hospital. But I don’t regret it.”
    Each morning, Chapin attended health science courses taught by physicians, nurses, researchers and healthcare administrators. Students completed patient case studies, practiced clinical decision-making and even learned hands-on skills, including proper suturing techniques.
    Afternoons were spent conducting pharmaceutical sciences research under the guidance of Dr. Jagdish Singh and his research team. His work focused on preparing and evaluating liposomal nanoparticles for gene delivery research related to Alzheimer’s disease.
    “The professors gave us an overview, and then you went and made your own liposomes and cells,” Chapin said. “You had to be independent. I realized I could have flopped, but I succeeded.”
    The hands-on experience pushed him outside his comfort zone.
    “I loved getting thrown into it and having to figure it out,” he said. “I’m a planner, but it was a good experience.”
    Chapin also worked alongside doctoral students and international scholars, including researchers from Thailand, and said learning from people with different backgrounds broadened his perspective. He also toured Sanford Research and Sanford Imagenetics, where students learned about advances in genetic medicine and precision healthcare.
    Living on the NDSU campus gave Chapin a taste of college life while allowing him to build friendships with students who shared his passion for science and healthcare.
    “The hardest part was having confidence in myself,” he said. “Most of the students are from bigger schools like Fargo or Bismarck, but this showed me I’m just as capable as people from those schools.”
    Growing up in a rural community, he believes, has actually prepared him well.
    “Small-town values give you an advantage,” Chapin said. “We have a good work ethic here. Growing up in Britton taught me kindness, patience and caring for others. Those are things that really matter in healthcare.”
    The experience strengthened his plans to pursue advanced nursing after graduation and has him considering North Dakota State University.
    “Governor’s School confirmed what I was already thinking about doing,” he said. “It gave me an even greater passion to continue my education. It seems like a big mountain at first, but now I know the goal is attainable.”
    As he prepares for his senior year, Chapin encourages other rural students to pursue opportunities that may seem intimidating.
    “Have confidence in what you’re doing,” he said. “Don’t waver. You are capable, no matter where you come from.”
 

]]> <![CDATA[DINO-MITE! LIBRARY KIDS READ OVER 410 HOURS FOR PROGRAM]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5436,dino-mite-library-kids-read-over-410-hours-for-program https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5436,dino-mite-library-kids-read-over-410-hours-for-program Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0500Summer Reading Program Wraps Up At Britton Library     The Britton Public Library concluded its 2026 Summer Reading Program after six weeks of dinosaur-themed activities tied to this year’s “Unearth a Story” theme.
    The program, which began in early June, featured weekly activities including excavating toy dinosaurs from ice and terra cotta eggs, creating dinosaur terrariums, drawing projects, outdoor games and story time focused on dinosaurs. During the final week, participants welcomed staff from Fort Sisseton, who shared information about historical artifacts and archaeology.
    A total of 66 children registered for the program, with 52 participating by attending activities, logging reading minutes or both. Participants collectively read 24,610 minutes, or 410 hours and 17 minutes. By age group, children in prekindergarten through kindergarten logged 6,232 minutes, first- through third-grade students read 7,439 minutes and fourth- through eighth-grade students recorded 10,939 minutes.
    The program concluded with a dinosaur-themed movie at the Strand Theater in Britton. Participants who attended activities or completed reading logs received free admission, popcorn and a small soda. A total of 54 people attended the movie.
    Door prize winners were Riggin Smith (prekindergarten-kindergarten), Claire Nordquist (first-third grade) and Evannah Gronau (fourth-eighth grade).
    Library officials thanked Fort Sisseton, the Strand Theater and Dollar General Corporation, which provid-ed a grant to support this year’s Summer Reading Program.
 

]]> <![CDATA[FOUR NEW MEMBERS SWORN IN, MACK RESIGNS]]> https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5437,four-new-members-sworn-in-mack-resigns https://www.marshallcountyjournal.com/article/5437,four-new-members-sworn-in-mack-resigns Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:55:00 -0500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Four members of the Britton City Council were sworn into office Monday evening as the council reorganized for the coming year and approved several items related to upcoming Har     Four members of the Britton City Council were sworn into office Monday evening as the council reorganized for the coming year and approved several items related to upcoming Harvest Days festivities.
    Taking the oath of office were Roger Cease, Kirk Greeno, Torrey Jones, and Jerome Marlow.
    Following the swearing-in ceremony, Mayor Clyde Fredrickson announced that Norm Mack had resigned from the council. Mack was to start a one year term this month. Fredrickson said he had spoken with Phil Pruitt, who ran for a council seat in the recent election, about serving by appointment. Council members expressed general support for the idea, but because the appointment was not listed on the agenda, no action could be taken. It will be added to next month’s agenda. 
    During the public comment period, Marlow noted that state law requires members of the public attending meetings remotely to be given an opportunity to ask questions. City officials asked those attending through Zoom if they wished to speak, but no comments were offered.
    As part of the annual reorganization, the council elected Marlow as council president and Cease as vice president. Members also assumed annual committee assignments and annual appointments, though they left some seats unassigned until they appoint another council member. See the meeting minutes in next week’s paper for the full listing of committee and board assignments. The council also completed its required yearly review of South Dakota’s Open Meetings Law, including procedures for entering executive session.
    The council received an update on the city’s ongoing water meter replacement project. Acting Public Works Supervisor Cameron Gerken said city staff has identified the sizes of most installed water meters, although some older meters lack records and may need to be estimated. Gerken also said the city is continuing to consider a monthly surcharge to help offset the cost of the project. Marlow questioned whether city code places responsibility for water meter costs on the city or individual property owners. 
    The council approved a request from Audrey Schuller for an exception to the city’s tree ordinance to allow three trees to be planted within the setback area of her property. Following discussion, council members approved the request and agreed to review the city’s tree ordinance to determine whether changes should be considered.
    In preparation for Harvest Days, the council approved special alcohol licenses for the Britton Chamber of Commerce and Snappers. The council also authorized the Harvest Days fireworks display after hearing that the required indemnity agreement had been signed, insurance had been secured through Knox Fireworks, and emergency services had been consulted.
    The council also approved a $1,500 contribution toward the fireworks, with members agreeing the event benefits the community and promotes the city.
    Event Center Director and Pool Manager Laken Werner asked the council to consider providing a cell phone reimbursement, noting that most Event Center business is handled through her personal phone. No action was taken at this time.
    New council member Roger Cease suggested that applicants seeking variance requests should obtain written approval from neighboring property owners. The council directed City Attorney Justin Scott to review the city’s ordinances and determine what changes, if any, may be appropriate.
    Marlow also suggested creating a Pool, Parks and Event Center advisory board to assist with fundraising efforts. Werner agreed the idea could be beneficial, and city officials will determine whether there is community interest in serving on such a board.
    During committee reports, Werner updated the council on the Event Center’s annual inspection by G&R Controls. The inspection identified issues with an air handler, circulator pump and rooftop unit that need to be repaired before the heating season. Werner said she is obtaining quotes from CDJ and plans to bring the information back to the council at its next meeting.
    Library Director Sonya Lang also shared updates, including recent grant funding, new shelving and plans to begin developing a five-year strategic plan that will include a public survey to identify future facility needs.
    Gerken also reported that a camper staying at the city’s RV park has exceeded the allowable time limit and has failed to make payments. The council directed Scott to work with county officials regarding enforcement options.
    The meeting concluded with the council entering executive session for a personnel matter at Marlow’s request. No action was taken afterwards. 
 

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