I love making New Year’s resolutions. I hate trying to keep them.

I will lose weight. I think that sounds exceptionally good, as I absent-mindedly reach for another piece of peanut brittle. Who cares about weight anyway? I don’t need to worry about my appearance since I am already married. (Don’t worry, my wife never reads what I write.) Besides, being overweight during the winter time just adds more insulation from the cold. Here in the middle of Western South Dakota, I will be needing every ounce that I can get.

The hometown audience witnessed their Philip Lady Scotties defeat the White River Tigers 61-54 on Thursday, December 22.

Philip 13 27 41 61

White River 14 23 36 54

The first quarter ended with the Tigers ahead, but only seconds into the next quarter the Scotties grabbed the lead.

The Philip girls’ basketball team traveled to Kadoka on Tuesday, December 20 to play the Kougars. The Scotties lost 45-63.

Philip 14 21 32 45

Kadoka 15 30 48 63

Philip scorers: Bailey Berguson - 10, Sarah Albrecht - 7, Kenzy Pinney - 6, Beth Lawson and Jodi Williams - 5 each, Lindsay Mann - 4, Kayla Nelson and Sierra Hook - 3 each, Tylissa Fitch - 2. The Scotties completed 12 two-point baskets.

Funeral services for Betty M. Eliason, age 73, of Belle Fourche, were held Monday, December 19, 2005, at the United Methodist Church in Belle Fourche with Pastor Gail Arnold officiating. Burial was at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Betty Lou was born October 23, 1932, at Eagle Butte, SD, to George and Lydia (Jesser) Matz. The Lord called her home on Thursday, December 15, 2005.

Betty attended Eagle Butte Public School for 12 years, graduating in 1950. She attended Northern State Teacher's College in Aberdeen, SD, for 1 year.

Ardith Louise McKown, 80, of Hot Springs, passed away December 23, 2005, at her home in Hot Springs, SD.

Ardith Louise was born at home on a farm close to St. Lawrence, SD on February 21, 1925, to V. Arthur and Viola (Turner) Moon. She graduated from St. Lawrence High School in 1943 and from St. Mary’s Hospital and School of Nursing as a registered nurse in 1946. She immediately went to work at Hand County Memorial Hospital in Miller, where 2nd Lt. Roy McKown was a patient due to a tragic auto accident.

Ardith and Roy were married on October 10, 1946.

Janet Kittinger, age 65, of 345 Dakota Ave S., Huron, died Thursday, December 22, 2005 at the Huron Regional Medical Center.

A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 30, at the American Lutheran Church in Huron with Rev. Steven Brandsrud officiating. Inurnment will be at the East Lake Andes Lutheran Church Cemetery at a later date. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are under the direction of the Kuhler Funeral Home.

Janet Lappe was born on June 19, 1940 in Pierre, SD, to John and Thelma (Crain) Lappe. She attended school in Pierre and Huron.

by Del Bartels

On May 24, Edna Knutson signed up with the National Guard. On October 6, she left Sioux Falls for boot camp.

During June of 1998, three cattle producers co-founded a fledgling rancher foundation that originated in South Dakota with very strong ties to Philip. The idea, the many interested cattle producers, and regional sales barns were all of western South Dakota. Those three co-founders were Herman Schumacher from Herreid, SD; Kathleen Kelly from Meeker, CO; and Leo McDonnell, Jr. from Columbus, MT.

A year later, Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA) began and was quickly gaining national membership.

Maurice T. Hoffman, age 83, of Creighton, died Thursday, December 15, 2005, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Services were Monday, December 19, at the Methodist Church in Wall, with Pastor Brad Kattelmann officiating.

Music was provided by Carol Hahn, pianist, and Lucille Holsether, vocalist. Ushers were Bill Leonard, Jerry Johannesen and Norm Klingbile.