Melanie Tezon is the new Laboratory Technician at Philip Health Services, Inc. This is noteworthy because such skilled help is difficult to draw to rural America. Tezon arrived on July 24 from her homeland of the Philippines.

She is trained and experienced in the medical profession, and used to a rural community, but the differences in Philip, SD, will require some adjustments.

Tezon is prepared for her duties at Philip Health Services. Raised in the city of Taeloban in the province of Leyte, she graduated from a college in Cebu with an earned B.S.

The South Dakota National Guard Family Support Office partnered with 4-H during the 2007 SDNG Youth Leadership Camp on July 16 through 20 at Camp Bob Marshall in Custer State Park.

Katlin Knutson, 10-year-old daughter of Barry and Edna Knutson of Philip, won the overall youth pellet rifle shooting contest at the camp. Out of 114 kids, ages 10 through 13, she earned the "Top Shot" award and two other trophies in different shooting categories.

The South Dakota Rodeo Association sponsored a rodeo in Dupree on July 14 and 15. The unofficial results are:

Bareback (10 entries)

1. Travis Sharp, Interior 77

2. Dustin Luper, Black Hawk 76

3.Travis Bechen, Rapid City 75

3. Rollie Wilson, Kyle 75

Saddle Bronc (37 entries)

1. Levi Hapney, Wall 86

2. Ty Thompson, Wanblee 77

2. Chuck Schmidt, Keldron 77

4. Travis Escott, Faith 74

Calf Roping (55 entries)

1. Jay Mattson, Deadwood 9.8

2. Jack Garr, Belle Fourche 10

3.

Kaylee Nelson returned triumphant from the competition at the National High School School Rodeo as the 2007 Cutting Champion. The finals were held in Springfield, Illinois.

The July 22 to 28 event included cowboys and cowgirls from across the nation who earned the right to compete nationally at their state rodeos. Nelson, a graduate from Philip High School and the daughter of Tim and Denise Nelson of rural Midland, competed among the best.

Nelson said that two of her most memorable high points in rodeo so far were this from year.

Approximately 100 people from across South Dakota arrived at the Bill and Pennie Slovek Ranch Tuesday, July 24, as part of the joint ranch tour by the South Dakota Grassland Coalition and the Society for Range Management.

Nominated by the Haakon County Conservation District, Bill, Pennie, Earl and Helen Slovek were bestowed the 2006 South Dakota Section Excellence in Range Management Award for their ranch's grazing practices.

Bill is the third generation to work the ranch located northwest of Philip.

Kayla O'Connell, a junior at Philip High School and daughter of Roger and Teresa O'Connell, is back from her learning experience in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein.

The whirlwind tour began June 9 and continued through June 22. The overnight, trans-Atlantic flight had an hour lay-over in Greenland. "I couldn't see the ocean," said O'Connell.

The mudbog competition sponsored by the Midland Volunteer Fire Department was held on July 28th.

According to Fire Chief Reuben Vollmer, Jr., the audience included over 300 people and 40 to 50 volunteers helped run the races and and the concessions.

The races included a total of 67 entries among six different classes.

Jake Fitzgerald took over as the general manager of West River/Lyman-Jones Rural Water Systems Inc. on July 1.

The previous general manager, Mike Kurle, retired from the position after 16 years of service.

"I think it was a pretty smooth transition," said Fitzgerald. "I've worked for Mike for the last 10 year. Now I have some very big shoes to fill."

Fitzgerald was promoted from working as the Operations and Maintenance Foreman out of the Philip O&M field office. WR/L-J's business office is in Murdo and there is a construction field office in Midland.

Bonnie Kathryn Morrison, age 74, of Philip, died Wednesday, July 25, 2007, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 30, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Ray Greenseth officiating.

Music was provided by Marilyn Millage, pianist, with a vocal duet by Barb Bowen and Mike Seager.

Loretta Elaine Smith, age 65, of Milesville, died Monday, July 23, 2007, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Loretta Elaine Sorum was born October 11, 1941, to Asaf and Hazel (Nelson) Sorum in Canton, SD. She grew up in the Fairview area and attended Canton grade and high school, graduating in 1959. Loretta went on to attend the University of South Dakota and Black Hills State College, where she earned her degree in elementary education and art.

She was united in marriage to the "cowboy" of her dreams, George E.