Henry David Thoreau went to the woods because he wanted to live deliberately, to “suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life … ”

I travel to Western South Dakota in search of what quiet really is, to witness God’s creation far from the injustices inflicted by deadlines, freeway sounds and other culprits; to really hear the sounds of meadowlarks and turtle doves; to smell the clean, fresh air.

But mostly, I am reminded of the power of the place and its people and to experience returning to the place of my birth t

The Philip Ministerial Association is conducting a survey in order to better serve the residents of Philip and the immediate area.

Beginning this week, the respective leaders of the churches and volunteer assistants from those congregations will be traveling door to door. The town of Philip and the area within a few miles around it has been divided into five sections and each church will be responsible for canvassing one of those areas.

“This is a joint survey.

The Civil Air Patrol’s aerospace weekend held at the Philip Airport this last weekend provided various aircraft orientation flights for each of the 40 cadets.

Under the supervision of a licensed volunteer pilot, there were 29 CAP airplane flights. The young cadet sitting up front actually did the flying to Wall. Another cadet, until then observing from the back seat, then flew the return trip to the Philip Airport.

If not in a powered airplane, the cadets orientation flight could be in a glider.

Alvina A. Brown, age 86, of Kadoka, died Tuesday, June 6, 2006, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Alvina A. Oien was born July 24, 1919, in a little prairie home on the South Dakota plains, in the South Creek Community near Kadoka, South Dakota. Alvina was the sixth of nine children born to Bernhard and Marith (Langorgan) Oien. Joining three brothers and five sisters, Alvina received her education at "Gumbo Lily" and South Creek schools and also Kadoka.

In July 1941, Alvina joined her soul mate, James C.

Memorial services were held Friday, May 12, 2006 at Springfield’s Hope Lutheran Church for Irene Triolo.

Irene Triolo of Springfield, OR, a fifty-eight year resident of Lane County, passed away April 29, 2006. She was born in Watertown, SD, on November 4, 1924, to Charles and Minnie Bowen. Irene was a graduate of Philip High School. Irene married John Triolo on June 30, 1943.

Irene worked for Chase Flowers and Gifts for 12 years.

Eunice L. Lewis, age 95, of New Underwood, formerly of Wall, died Monday, June 5, 2006 at the Good Samaritan Center in New Underwood.

Visitation will be held 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Wall, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Friday.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 9, at the United Methodist Church in Wall, with Pastor Brad Kattelmann officiating. Pallbearers will be Merlin and Al Crown, Jan Bielmaier, Rod Renner, Brad Cool and Boyce Kennedy. Ushers are Bernard Foster and Jerry Johannesen.

Jill Eileen Eckert, age 50, of Kadoka died Monday, May 29, 2006, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Closed-casket visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m., all at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m.

Darroyl Orien Eugene Sims, age 83, was born on June 4, 1922 to Alba and Gertrude (Apperlie) Sims at Madison, SD. He grew up in Philip, SD, and graduated from Philip High School. He attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD, on a football scholarship.

Darroyl met his future wife during college and he and Margaret Huyck were married on March 13, 1943 at Dakota City, NE. Darroyl enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1943. He was an instructional pilot until his discharge in 1945.

Robert K. “Bob” Blair, age 95, of Milesville, died Sunday, May 28, 2006, at the Philip Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 1, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Mark Ford officiating.

Music will be provided by Marianne Frein, pianist, Barb Bowen, vocalist, with “One Eagles Wings” and “In The Garden” and Theo Blair, violinist, playing the “Tennessee Waltz”. Ushers will be Craig Hanrahan, Brian Hanson, Glen Radway and Mark Radway.

Doris M. Millage, age 86, of Philip, died Friday morning, May 26, 2006, at Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 30, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Philip, with Pastor Robert Oettel officiating.

Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Music was provided by Marlis Doud as organist with Congregational Hymn “Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus” and Elvera Moos, vocalist, singing “Be Still My Soul” and “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”. Ushers were Alvin Pearson and John Kramer.