My children keep telling me that I should be a professional comedian. I hope they are not basing that on my looks.

My knee-jerk reply is, “No way! It’s too dangerous! It’s violent!” They, like always, don’t take me seriously and think I’m being funny. If I ever started choking on some food, they would probably laugh and comment on how my face was turning a neat shade of blue.

Have you ever had stage-fright? Your stomach tightens, your throat goes dry, your eyes see wavering spots, your knees go weak; and that is just thinking about it. Some people faint on stage.

After six years of hard study already under his belt, Mark Laudenschlager is experiencing his first clinical rotation at the Philip Medical Clinic.

Laudenschlager has already graduated from the School of Mines with a degree in Interdisciplinary Science – Tech’s version of a chemistry/biology degree. He has just finished his second year at the University of South Dakota and has begun the four weeks in Philip on his “rural medicine preceptorship.”

Dr. Dave Holman is supervising the student’s hands-on medical experiences, “He is doing well so far; just getting his feet wet.

The Haakon School District 27-1 Board of Education meeting held on Monday, April 18, covered much ground and addressed many issues in-depth.

The board approved the personnel for next school year. There will be only two notable changes from this year. Jerry Rhodes will be the assistant football coach, rather than the head coach. And, kindergarten teacher Jayne Gottsleben will move from a six-tenths of a position to a three-quarter position because of the longer school days planned for next year.

Gerald Allen"Jerry" Young, 62, Midland, SD, died Saturday, April 9, 2005, in Ft. Pierre as a result of a two-year battle of cancer.

Services were held Thursday, April 14, 2005, at the Community Youth and Involved Center in Ft. Pierre with Pastor Paul Bly and Chaplain Dodie Noordermeer officiating. Burial will follow in the Scotty Philips Cemetery. Arrangements are with Kinkade Funeral Chapel of Sturgis.

Gerald was born August 7, 1942, at Deadwood, SD, to Merle and Jennie (Dingeman) Young.

Fred Q. McDaniel, age 73, of Quinn, died Wednesday evening, April 6, 2005, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Services were held Monday, April 11, at the American Legion Hall in Philip with Pastor Robert L. Henriksen officiating.

Music was provided by Hallie Albrecht, pianist, and Elvera Moos, vocalist. Ushers were Tyrone Moos, John Kangas and Darrel Terkildsen.

“We had talked about getting married, but didn’t want to burden each other until after the war.” Stella and Ed Ptak were raised around Dante, South Dakota, during the “Dirty Thirties.”

Ed was a country school teacher when he was drafted into the military. “When I was drafted, it was supposed to be for one year, but Uncle Sam forgot to tell me which year that was,” he said. While he was heading to Italy by way of Ireland and northern Africa, Stella was working on munitions in Iowa. Action was winding down in Europe and the outcome was evident. Ed received his very first furlough.

James E. Loobey, 78, of Payette, Idaho passed away Monday, March 28, 2005, at his home in Payette.

Services were held Friday, April 1, at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette. Graveside services were held Tuesday, April 4, at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Harrisburg, PA.

James was born August 14, 1926 on the family ranch near Hilland, SD, to Lawrence J. and Thelma T. (Helgeson) Loobey.

He attended grades one through four at Riverview and grades five through eight at West Fork #93 in Haakon County.

Loyd R. "Pete" Buchert, age 92, of Philip, died Saturday, April 2, 2005, at the Philip Nursing Home.

Services were held Wednesday, April 6, at the United Church in Philip with Pastor Mark Ford officiating.

Music was provided by Pat Krogan, pianist, and Glenn Parsons, vocalist. Ushers were Rick King, Ed Morgan and Bill Buls. Pallbearers were Arthur McIlravy, Jerry Patterson, Bob Baye, Bill Manke, Fuddy Hansen and Todd O’Connor.

Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery in Philip. Rush Funeral Home of Philip was in charge of the arrangements.

Loyd R.

Leona Estelle Cook, age 86, of Philip, died Wednesday evening, March 30, 2005, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Services were held Tuesday, April 5, at the United Church in Philip with Pastor Mark Ford officiating.

Music was provided by Maureen Palecek, organist. Ushers were Scott Brech and Grady Crew.

Milton Erlin Foreman, age 76, of Belvidere, passed away on April 3, 2005, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip, after a long-fought battle with cancer.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 7, at the Belvidere Presbyterian Church with Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.

Music will be provided by Syd Iwan, organist, and Kim Foreman, vocalist. Ushers are Tom and Don DeVries.

Rush Funeral Chapel of Kadoka is in charge of the arrangements.