I was rooked into joining the Philip Volunteer Fire Department. I was rooked by myself. I did it. I blame myself, but I thank the other guys in the department. I now can't understand why more people don't volunteer.

As a reporter, I attended the monthly meetings of the Philip-area volunteers. I had gotten to know some of the people, especially Chief Marty Hansen and Assistant Chief Roger Williams.

Suddenly, I found myself eligible to become a member. I had attended three consecutive meeting, was in fair-to-average health, and had shown interest.

I was rooked into joining the Philip Volunteer Fire Department. I was rooked by myself. I did it. I blame myself, but I thank the other guys in the department. I now can't understand why more people don't volunteer.

As a reporter, I attended the monthly meetings of the Philip-area volunteers. I had gotten to know some of the people, especially Chief Marty Hansen and Assistant Chief Roger Williams.

Suddenly, I found myself eligible to become a member. I had attended three consecutive meeting, was in fair-to-average health, and had shown interest.

Dear Editor,

We, as concerned citizens of Haakon County, feel that the County Commissioners should represent the entire county, not just a few people with an agenda, no matter how worthy that agenda may be.

We commend the Friends of the Library for trying to improve the existing facility. We are opposed to the plan that was presented to us due to the location, size and cost.

During a recent meeting of the commissioners, the subject came up of when the library was officially accepted from a woman’s organization to Haakon County.

The surest way to know that you are old is to listen to your children.

My young son was watching pedestrians as we slowly drove through town. A distinguished senior on a conversational walk showed a careful gate, grey hair, and a braggable number of laugh lines. My son loudly noted, “Wow, he’s older than old.” I quickly drove away.

Decades ago, I was first called “old” when a girl caught me looking at a magazine cover displaying Rachel Welch (boy, I am old). The kid called me a dirty old man.

Marty Hansen, an all around great guy, is one of the most valuable assets to our community. Marty was raised in the Philip area. He pursued his career of taxidermy at the James Reinhart School of Taxidermy in Iowa. Following school, he returned to his hometown, and in 1976 opened Hansen’s Taxidermy. His work can be viewed in area homes and businesses, as well as across the nation.

Marty is known for wearing many hats in the community. As the Chief of the Philip Volunteer Fire Dept. since 1999, he has done an outstanding job.

During its meeting on Monday, July 10, the Philip Chamber of Commerce worked on finalizing the activities for Festival Days, August 3-6.

Philip might borrow parade ideas from other communities of lining up parade entries in reverse order so that the first float riders can see the rest of parade as it goes by, and the other float riders can see them.

“I think it will be one of the most attractive signs to be seen,” stated Jerry Kroetch to the Philip Economic Development Committee during its meeting on Thursday, July 29.

He was referring to a proposed cut-metal silhouette, welcome-to-Philip sign to be placed west of town on Highway 14. The 6 x 36 foot sign will stand upon 40’ long 10” I-beams.

The Philip Chamber of Commerce is once again sponsoring the George Carden International Circus.

The two performances on Saturday, July 15, will be at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Tickets will be available one hour before showtime. The circus’s three rings will be set up at the Philip Roping Arena.

The George Carden International Circus is known for its highwire acts, elephants, tigers, clowns, aerialists, jugglers and more. Owner/producer, George Carden, is one of the largest producers of circus entertainment in North America.

The July meeting of the Philip City Council was held in the Community Room of the Haakon County Courthouse on Wednesday the 5th, instead of Monday the 3rd, because of the Independence Day holiday.

The Oath of Office was solemnly taken by council members Monte Palecek, John Kangas, Shirley Chin, and Greg Arthur, who are beginning new terms. Kangas is the new council president and Palecek the vice-president.

Grady Richard Word of Hermosa, SD died Saturday morning July 8, 2006 at Rapid City Regional Hospital as the result of a horse related accident. Grady was the oldest of four boys born to Don and Phyllis Word of Belvidere, SD on May 26, 1957. Grady was very proud of his Word family name and studied passionately his family heritage.

Grady’s life followed many passions. One was his genuine love for horses and cattle. Raised in a ranching background Grady was most proud to ride among his friends and neighbors and do cattle work.